Ishara’s International Escape Drama — Arrested in Nepal

Used  Using a “Dummy Woman” to Get a Dubai Visa

In a dramatic international operation, Sri Lankan Police have arrested Ishara Sewwandi, the prime suspect wanted in connection with the Ganemulla Sanjeewa murder, in Nepal. A Red Notice had been issued by INTERPOL for her arrest.

According to police, Ishara fled Sri Lanka soon after the February 19, 2025 killing at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court premises. While one suspect was caught in Halawatha on the same day, Ishara vanished—first travelling to India and then hiding in Nepal.

During today’s (Oct. 14) special media briefing, Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa revealed that this was the second successful international operation carried out by Sri Lankan Police this year, with cooperation from the CID and intelligence units.

 The Route of Escape

Reports indicate that Ishara escaped from Midiganiya with the help of a man named J.K. Bai from Jaffna. She allegedly crossed into India by boat, stayed there for three days, and later travelled by train to Nepal.

There, she hid for months in a small flat located on the upper floor of a hillside building about 18 km from Kathmandu. After a careful surveillance mission, Sri Lankan and Nepalese authorities arrested her.

Her entire escape operation is believed to have cost Rs. 6.5 million (≈ £17,000), with Bai financing her food, lodging, and travel.

Ishara’s Statement

After her arrest, Ishara reportedly told police:

“I always knew the police would find me one day.”

Investigators have since uncovered that she was planning to flee to Dubai using the identity of a “dummy woman”—someone who looked like her. Visas had been obtained for both women for Dubai, India, and Nepal. The fake identity-holder has also been arrested.

 Web of Accomplices

Several people connected to Ishara have now been detained, including the Jaffna couple who sheltered her.

In addition, five more suspects linked to drug trafficking and other organized crimes in Colombo and Gampaha were also arrested.

Police say the woman who had gone into hiding was not just an accomplice but the key coordinator behind several underworld-linked crimes:

“She was the one who arranged everything — the middlewoman who coordinated the killers,” the spokesperson stated.

International Cooperation

The operation was carried out with the full support of the Government and Police of Nepal. Under existing extradition and mutual legal assistance agreements, the suspects are now being prepared for transfer to Sri Lanka.

“Thanks to strong diplomatic ties and the cooperation of Nepal’s police authorities, we were able to expedite the process,” the spokesperson added.

The suspects, including Ishara, are expected to be brought back to Sri Lanka tomorrow (Oct. 15).

So far in 2025, Sri Lankan Police have issued about 40 Red Notices for fugitive organized crime figures. Of these, 18 suspects have already been successfully extradited to Sri Lanka.