Army cook posing as Colonel, arrested for robbery

By Sumanasiri Gunatilleka

A former army civilian cook posing as a Colonel and wanted in connection with a robbery on June 23 was taken into custody on Monday (30) by Moneragala Division Crime Investigation Unit with the help of the Military Police during a raid at Galgamuwa in Anuradhapura. He was a resident of Horape in Wattala.  

Referring to our news report on October 28, “Army Colonel to be arrested in connection with robbery” Military Spokesman Mjr. Gen. Ravi Herath said the suspect had only been a cook attached to the Udawalawa Military Engineering Workshop and not an officer of any rank. He said the suspect had been absent since 2021.   

A gang of seven individuals posing as officers of the Defence Ministry had entered a house in Hambegamuwa area and taken away cash and jewellery valued more than Rs. 1.6 million and seven sim cards. They had searched the house under the pretext of information received that property dug up from a treasure had been hidden in the house.   

During investigations the police arrested on October 26, two suspects and two motorcars used by the gang. Police had received information that an Army Colonel was the kingpin behind the robbery.   

However, after his arrest it transpired that he was a former cook in the army, posing as an Army Colonel and leading the gang.  The suspect was to be handed over to Hambegamuwa police yesterday for further investigations.