The Story of Rohan Pradeep Olugala – The Policeman Who Stood by Justice

The story begins around 2002–2003 in Ratnapura.

A police officer named Karunaratne Ralahami was murdered after a drinking session that turned violent due to an old quarrel.

The investigation was handed over to a young officer in the Ratnapura Criminal Investigation Division.

Although he arrested five suspects who had attended the party, he was unsatisfied with the evidence — their statements did not match the sequence of the crime.

Time passed until one day, the officer received a crucial tip-off:

A local politician possessed a pair of elephant tusks, reportedly from an elephant that had been secretly killed. These tusks were to be transported to Colombo under the protection of a VIP’s security convoy.

Acting cleverly, the officer devised a plan — he spread word that another security team would check the convoy en route.

The politician, alarmed, abandoned the transport plan, and the officer quickly surrounded the house and arrested the suspect with the tusks.

During interrogation, a shocking confession emerged:

The five men previously arrested — along with the murdered officer Karunaratne Ralahami — had earlier killed an elephant to sell its tusks.

A dispute over the sale led them to murder Ralahami.

The tusks were later sold to a local politician.

The media exploded with this revelation, because the elephant in question was Kuruwita’s famous “White Elephant,” the last of its kind from Samanala Kanda (Adam’s Peak region).

The young officer who cracked the case became widely known — his name: Rohan Pradeep Olugala.

A Legacy of Policing

Rohan Olugala followed in the footsteps of his father, Sugathapala Olugala, a respected police inspector from the 1970s who had captured notorious criminals such as Aggona Chandare.

Born and raised in Colombo, Rohan was educated at Veluwana College, Thurstan College, and St. Thomas’ College, Guruthalawa.

In 1988, amid national unrest, he joined the Special Task Force (STF) as a Sub-Inspector.

He served in Ampara, Nuwaragalatenna, and Arantalawa, not only carrying out operations but also helping communities — organizing concerts with singer Nirosha Virajini, and providing media exposure for talented rural youth.

From STF to Crime Investigator

In 2002, he transferred to the regular police service in Ratnapura, uncovering many crimes including the Kuruwita Elephant case.

By 2013–2014, as head of a Colombo Crimes Division unit, he became instrumental in solving several major crimes, including the Colombo Museum gem robbery and the arrest of the gangster Kangatta.

The Kahawatta Murders

In 2013, a series of gruesome double murders of elderly women terrified Kahawatta.

Olugala, familiar with the region, was sent there to lead investigations.

Working day and night, he gained the trust of villagers and eventually identified the serial killer.

During this period, political interference led to his sudden transfer to Modara Police Station — a small, neglected post.

When a journalist friend visited, Olugala only smiled and said,

“We’re police officers, brother. This is our duty.”

Even in Modara, he continued to work diligently — arresting underworld figures and maintaining composure despite adversity.

Later, he was transferred again, this time to Weligama as Officer-in-Charge, and soon after appointed OIC of Kahawatta Police, where 19 murders had been reported.

He resumed the investigations and even built around 100 houses for poor families in the area, gaining public admiration.

His Style of Policing

Olugala was known for treating suspects humanely.

He never used violence; instead, he used empathy and strategy.

Once, during a hot day, he noticed suspects sweating in their cell and directed a fan toward them, saying:

“Better now? Good. When I come back, tell me the truth.”

His calm approach often led suspects to confess.

He was both respected and loved — feared not for brutality, but for moral authority.

Recent Years

Promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Olugala was later appointed Director of the Kalutara Crimes Division.

In 2022, he led the investigation into the Atalugama murder of a 9-year-old girl, arresting the perpetrator — a family member.

Political pressure again targeted him, but Senior DIG Ranmal Kodithuwakku shielded him from retaliation.

After the 2024 government change, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya reinstated Olugala to active service as Director of the Western Province North Crimes Division (Peliyagoda).

He was then instrumental in dismantling the underworld network of underworld leader “Kehlebeddara Padme”, and in bringing Sevvandi, another high-profile suspect, back to Sri Lanka.

His superiors, including Senior DIG Asanka Karawita and Director Shani Abeysekara, trusted him deeply.

Today, Rohan Pradeep Olugala is widely recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and courageous police officers, admired for his humanity, professionalism, and bravery.

Though he has less than three years left in service, his name continues to symbolize integrity and fearless duty in the Sri Lankan Police.