Kanjipani's disciple 'Wanathe Chathur' arrested in UAE

Avishka Madushan Abeygunawardena, also known as 'Wanathe Chathu', who is considered a close associate of 'Kanjipani Imran', a prominent organized criminal and drug trafficker, has been arrested by security forces in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. According to Ada Derana reports on August 20, 2026, this arrest was made based on information received from the currently detained organized criminals 'Panadura Salindu' and 'Darun', and further investigations into the incident are underway.

Wanathe Chathu, who was involved in organized crime and drug trafficking centered in the Borella Wanathamulla area, is suspected of being connected to numerous clashes and shootings in Colombo and its suburbs. Specifically, the police suspect that the incident on July 23, 2026, where Dinod Waruna Bandara was shot and seriously injured in the Dematagoda Kuppiyawatta area, was orchestrated by members of Wanathe Chathu's gang. The power struggle among underworld gangs in areas such as Borella, Dematagoda, Maligawatta, and Panadura has been the main reason for these attacks.

Kanjipani Imran (Mohammed Naseem Imran), Wanathe Chathu's main associate, fled to Dubai in 2015 using a forged passport and was arrested at a party in Dubai with Makandure Madush in 2019, then deported to Sri Lanka. After serving a prison sentence for possession and trafficking of heroin, he was released on bail in late 2022 and fled to India by sea from Talaimannar. Sri Lankan authorities are currently conducting further international operations to arrest Imran, who is one of the most prominent fugitive criminals for whom Interpol Red Notices have been issued.

Panadura Salindu, also known as Salindu Malshitha Gunaratne, who revealed information about Wanathe Chathu, is a powerful drug trafficker arrested in Madagascar and brought back to Sri Lanka. Billions worth of property and drugs belonging to his network were seized by the police recently, and the information obtained from him has helped apprehend internationally fugitive underworld members. The Sri Lanka Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, and the Special Task Force, in collaboration with foreign security agencies, have intensified operations to bring back organized criminals hiding abroad.