Police arrest mastermind and driver in Thalawathugoda agency heist

Sri Lanka Police have arrested the alleged mastermind and getaway driver behind a major robbery at a tourism and foreign employment agency in Thalawathugoda. The heist, which occurred on September 1, involved armed men who threatened and assaulted staff before fleeing with cash and gold jewellery.

Investigations revealed that the mastermind was a former deputy representative at the agency who was heavily indebted to the owner. The suspect reportedly planned the crime due to financial pressure and personal humiliation. He enlisted the help of a former civilian employee of the Nawagamuwa Police, who helped recruit two additional accomplices.

The group used a rented vehicle with fake number plates to execute the robbery. Following the theft, the suspects divided the loot at a house in Siddamulla. During a raid in Mulleriyawa, officers recovered Rs. 18.5 million of the stolen funds, the getaway vehicle, and a stolen motorcycle.