Politics

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala announced in Parliament today (20) that new information has come to light about certain politicians who are said to have connections with underworld criminals, including Mandinu Padmasiri, known as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’. He explained that this information surfaced during the investigation of 30 mobile phones that belonged to various underworld suspects, including ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, after their arrests by the police. The Minister noted that inquiries have now begun into the politicians whose names have been mentioned, and statements are being collected. He promised that a detailed statement will be released once the investigations are complete. While addressing Parliament, Minister Ananda Wijepala remarked, “The investigation is ongoing following the arrests of several well-known underworld figures, including ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’. We are currently looking into 30 phones that were found with them. The data from these mobile phones and the statements we have gathered have pointed to politicians who have been in contact with them and participated in activities with them. We have started an investigation into these politicians, and we are in the process of recording their statements.” The Minister stressed that the investigations are making good progress and assured that a clear statement will be provided after the inquiry wraps up.