Bus Laliya’s Confession Leads Police to Guns Hidden in Cemetery

Questioning organized crime figure Bus Laliya has led Sri Lankan police to a cache of firearms hidden in a cemetery in Diddeniya, Hanwella. The Central Criminal Investigation Bureau in Narahenpita said the discovery followed information obtained from him.

Police took into custody a Russian-made repeater rifle and four rounds, a T-56 rifle with a magazine, and a pistol. Investigators said the weapons had been used in various crimes over the years.

Bus Laliya, whose name is given as Kannangara Lalith, was brought back to Sri Lanka from Dubai on August 25 under an international Red Notice. A team led by Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa carried out the operation.

Authorities are questioning him over alleged involvement in killings, extortion, assaults with sharp weapons, drug trafficking and other organized crimes in areas including Hanwella, Neluwaththuduwa, Padukka and Kosgama. Investigators are also examining assets suspected to have been acquired illegally. He is being held for 90 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.