An organised crime syndicate led by Manudinu Padmasiri Perera, alias Kehelbaddara Padme, is believed to have manufactured large quantities of crystal methamphetamine (better known as ICE) in a clandestine facility in Nuwara Eliya and distributed it countrywide.
Investigations have revealed that chemicals, unearthed recently in Middeniya, had been used for manufacturing ICE. On several occasions, the group attempted large-scale production but failed to meet the demand, according to police sources.
Meanwhile, nearly 50,000 kilos of precursor chemicals, suspected to have been intended for ICE production, were seized from properties at Thalawa, in Middeniya, and at Netolpitiya, in Tangalle, by the Peliyagoda Crimes Division.
It has since been revealed that the chemical stocks were concealed by former SLPP Pradeshiya Sabha member Sampath Manampeiri and his brother Piyal Manamperi. CCTV footage obtained by investigators shows the duo transporting the chemicals by tractor on 01 September to a property in Middeniya Thalawa, where it was buried using a backhoe.
Police have arrested Piyal Manampeiri, but Sampath remains at large. Another haul of chemicals, believed to be precursor chemicals, was unearthed yesterday (07) in an abandoned property in Netolpitiya, Tangalle.
According to investigators, the two container loads of chemicals are believed to have been imported from Iran, allegedly arranged by Padme with the support of underworld figure Kudu Nilangda of Panadura. Their transport to Middeniya was reportedly handled by Backhoe Saman. Both Padme and Backhoe Saman have since been arrested in Indonesia.
Backhoe Saman is said to have moved the stocks to Middeniya on 27 January with the assistance of the Manampeiri brothers. The CID has opened a separate inquiry into how the containers went past the Sri Lanka Customs. The Opposition has claimed that they were among the contains green-channelled at the behest of the government in January 2025. The police have denied this claim. Addressing the media yesterday, Police Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler claimed that a special investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) found that the container numbers were different.
The chemicals had been stored in Middeniya with plans to transfer them in smaller consignments to the Nuwara Eliya ICE production plant. However, after Padme’s arrest overseas, the Manampeiri brothers allegedly panicked and tried to dispose of the stock by burying it.
A search conducted at the Middeniya property also yielded five hand grenades, 18 rounds of T-56 ammunition and several 12-bore cartridges. Police believe that seven automatic firearms had also been concealed there, but removed by the missing local councillor.
All chemicals recovered from Middeniya and Hanwella are now being weighed before being submitted to the Government Analyst and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board for reports.
The investigation is being conducted under the direct supervision of IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya, successor to IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, by the Peliyagoda Crimes Division, headed by Director Rohan Olugala, assisted by Chief Inspector Linton Silva and his team.
by Hemantha Randunu and Norman Palihawadane