Gunman linked to Kehelbadara Padme extradited from Malaysia

Matiya, a known underworld member and alleged shooter for detained alleged crime boss Kehelbaddara Padme, arrived in Sri Lanka last night (25) after being deported by Malaysian authorities. The individual, identified as 42-year-old Bombuwala Dewage Suranga Sanjeewa Karunaratne, resided in Yagodamulla, Kotugoda. Interpol had previously issued Red Notices against him.

Authorities linked Karunaratne directly to the July 22, 2022, double shooting at the Gampaha court complex. He allegedly opened fire on organised criminal Paspodda and his associate, resulting in their deaths and injuring several others at the scene.

He landed at Bandaranaike International Airport at approximately 9:45 p.m. aboard AirAsia flight AK-047 from Kuala Lumpur. Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department took him into custody upon arrival. Following the recording of an initial statement, officials transferred the suspect to the Colombo North Crimes Division in Peliyagoda for further investigation.