Sri Lanka murder suspect arrested in UAE and extradited

Anusha Lakmali, also known as ‘Achini’, has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates and extradited to Sri Lanka in connection with a triple murder that occurred in February 2025. The suspect had been evading authorities by fleeing the country following the shooting deaths of Aruna Vidanagamage, an alleged underworld gang member, and his two children, aged 6 and 9, near the Middeniya Kadewatta junction.

Police investigations suggest the killings were carried out as a contract crime for 500,000 rupees, with portions of the payment reportedly transferred to the accounts of the suspects. Following the incident, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) requested assistance from Interpol, resulting in an international Red Notice.

After being detained by UAE security forces, Lakmali was handed over to Sri Lankan law enforcement through diplomatic and legal coordination. She is currently in the custody of the CID as investigations continue.