Notorious underworld figure ‘Kudu Salindu’ granted bail

Panadura, Dec 20 (Daily Mirror) - Salindu Malshitha Gunaratne, alias ‘Kudu Salindu,’ a notorious drug kingpin and underworld figure, was granted bail by the Panadura Magistrate’s Court today.

Gunaratne, who had been in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was arrested in Madagascar in March 2023. 

Alongside his infamous accomplice, Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, known as ‘Harak Kata,’ the pair were arrested on March 1, 2023, in a joint operation by INTERPOL, Malagasy law enforcement and Customs officials. 

The duo was later extradited to Sri Lanka on March 15, following a notification from Malagasy defence officials to the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry regarding their arrest, along with six other suspects. 

When ‘Kudu Salindu' appeared before Panadura Chief Magistrate Saman Kumara, he was granted bail on three sureties of Rs. 1 million each, with additional conditions. 

The case will be heard again on February 10, 2025.