‘Bus Lalith’ taken to CCIB after being brought back from Dubai

Organized crime figure and drug trafficker Lalith Kannangara, also known as “Bus Lalith,” has been taken to the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) after being brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai today (August 25).

The 36-year-old suspect, a resident of the Kalutara South area, arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at around 5:20 AM aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL-226 from Dubai.

Sri Lanka Police said a team of officers led by the Director of the CCIB brought the suspect back to the country after he had fled Sri Lanka and was hiding in Dubai.

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler earlier said the suspect had recently been arrested by security authorities in Dubai and was escorted back to Sri Lanka by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers.

CID officers recorded statements from the suspect following his arrival before he was taken to the CCIB under tight security for further investigations.

An Interpol Red Notice had also been issued against the suspect. Police said he is wanted in connection with a series of serious crimes dating from 2013 to 2025.

According to further information released by Sri Lanka Police at 11:45 AM today, the suspect is wanted over the following incidents:

• On September 16, 2013, allegedly assaulting and injuring a person with a sharp weapon in the Hanwella Police Division.
• In 2021, allegedly entering a business premises in the Neluwaththuduwa area and setting fire to a lorry, causing damage.
• In another incident in 2021, allegedly carrying out a shooting in front of the same businessman’s house in Neluwaththuduwa, seriously injuring a person and attempting to kill him. Police said the incident followed threats demanding money from the businessman and his refusal to pay.
• On October 16, 2022, allegedly entering a house in the Hanwella Police Division and attacking three people with sharp weapons, causing serious injuries.
• On December 18, 2022, allegedly aiding, abetting and conspiring in the shooting of a person at Cross Road in Hanwella in an attempt to commit murder. Court proceedings relating to the incident are currently underway before the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court.
• On December 25, 2023, allegedly shooting and killing two people in the Padukka Police Division.
• On March 4, 2024, allegedly shooting and killing a person in the Hanwella Police Division.
• On September 30, 2024, allegedly shooting and killing a businessman residing in Neluwaththuduwa.
• On July 6, 2025, allegedly shooting and injuring three people travelling in a three-wheeler in the Kosgama Police Division.
• On July 19, 2025, allegedly providing a T-56 firearm and 25 rounds of ammunition to a person who was later arrested with the weapon near a nightclub in the Kollupitiya Police Division.
• On August 12, 2025, allegedly shooting and killing a former Pradeshiya Sabha member who was travelling on a motorcycle in the Meegoda Police Division.
• On August 13, 2025, allegedly directing an incident in which shots were fired into the air at a location on Muthuhena Road in the Meegoda Police Division before those involved fled the scene.

Police said the suspect had been wanted in connection with these crimes.

The Colombo High Court has also issued an open warrant against him for failing to appear before court in connection with a murder case, while the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court has issued warrants against him in connection with criminal cases under its jurisdiction.

Police said further investigations will also focus on alleged drug trafficking, other organized criminal activities and assets suspected to have been acquired illegally by the suspect.

The Central Crime Investigation Bureau is conducting further investigations.

— Last Updated: August 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM —