Kehelbaddara Padme remanded until September 3, 2026

Alleged drug traffickers “Kehelbaddara Padme” and “Panadura Nilanga” were ordered to be remanded until September 3, 2026 after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (August 25).

Koralagamage Mandinu Padmasiri Perera alias “Kehelbaddara Padme,” who had been detained and questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), was brought before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama under tight security.

Presenting facts to the court, CID officers said the suspect faces charges under the PTA and that his detention period had ended.

The CID told the court that Kehelbaddara Padme had been detained and questioned under detention orders since he was brought to Sri Lanka from Indonesia and arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake on August 30, 2025.

Investigating officers also informed the court that he has been named as the 18th suspect in connection with the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

The CID requested the court to issue an order to the Superintendent of Prisons to produce him before court on September 4, 2026, when the murder case is scheduled to be called again.

After considering the facts presented by the CID, the Chief Magistrate ordered Kehelbaddara Padme to be remanded until September 3.

Meanwhile, alleged drug trafficker Nilanga Sampath Silva alias “Panadura Nilanga,” who had also been held under a detention order, was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today by the CID.

Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama also ordered Panadura Nilanga to be remanded until September 3, 2026.