‘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 Duwa Temple Road in Kalutara South, arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at around 5:20 AM aboard SriLankan Airlines flight UL-226 from Dubai.

A team of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers escorted him back to Sri Lanka after he was recently arrested by security authorities in Dubai, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said.

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

“Bus Lalith” is wanted in connection with several allegations, including murder, other criminal activities and extortion. He is also reportedly the subject of an Interpol Red Notice.

The Red Notice was obtained by the Western Province South Crime Division in connection with a case pending before the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court.

The Colombo High Court has also issued an open warrant against him for failing to appear before court in connection with a murder case.

Meanwhile, the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court has issued an open warrant against him over an incident on September 20, 2021, in which he allegedly went to a residence in Neluntuduwa and attempted to shoot the occupant.

Another open warrant has been issued by the same court in connection with an incident on October 16, 2022, in which three people were allegedly attacked with a sharp weapon.

Further investigations into the suspect are underway.