Former Kalutara Police Chief Inspector Accused of Supplying Firearms to Underworld

STF operation uncovers illegal weapons cache and exposes high-level police misconduct
derworld Suspect “Japana”

A major police scandal has erupted following the arrest of Rusira Kawisan Edirisinghe, alias “Japana”, by the Special Task Force (STF) on October 17 in the Nagoda area of Kalutara.

The suspect was apprehended for illegal possession of firearms — a discovery that has since led investigators toward a far more disturbing link between organized crime and law enforcement.

Weapons Cache Found in Suspect’s Residence

A search of the suspect’s home yielded a foreign-manufactured 12-bore shotgun, an air pistol, a sports pistol, and a functional shotgun component. Officers also found a pair of handcuffs, 51 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 16 rounds of .38 caliber bullets, and 11 rounds of 12-bore shotgun shells.

All recovered items were handed over to the Kalutara South Police for further inquiry.

Former Chief Inspector Implicated

During questioning, “Japana” made a shocking confession — claiming that the firearms and ammunition had been supplied by former Chief Inspector of Police Ruwan Wijesinghe, who previously served as Officer-in-Charge of the Kalutara South Police Station.

Investigators examining the suspect’s mobile phone discovered photographs of him with the police officer, including one showing Wijesinghe holding his official service weapon.

Irregularities in Police Armory Records

Further investigations led by Chief Inspector Nalaka Gunasekara, the new head of the Kalutara South Police, revealed serious irregularities.

When questioned, the police armory sergeant admitted that Wijesinghe had requested the firearm, stating he would “return it later.” The investigation found that the weapon had originally been placed in police custody in 2002 under a court order, but no record existed after 2012 — suggesting possible tampering or concealment.

Additional Police Involvement Suspected

According to the suspect’s official B-report, another police officer is alleged to have assisted in transporting the firearms and ammunition from the former Chief Inspector’s residence. Authorities are now probing the extent of this internal complicity.

Legal Proceedings and Travel Ban

The accused former Chief Inspector has since been transferred to the Ratnapura area. His bail application submitted to the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court was rejected, while the Kalutara Crime Investigation Division (CID) continues to pursue the case.

A travel ban has also been imposed on the former officer as investigations expand into possible arms trafficking and misconduct within the police force.

Growing Concern Over Police–Underworld Nexus

This latest revelation has reignited public concern over corruption and criminal infiltration within law enforcement ranks. The incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform in the country’s policing systems — particularly in handling armory records and official weapon transfers.