Infamous underworld figure “Batuwatte Chamara” was brought back to Sri Lanka last night after being arrested in Azerbaijan. He arrived in the country via New Delhi, India, on Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL-196.
Known by the alias “Batuwatte Chamara” due to his residence in Batuwatta, Ragama, his real name is Manoj Suranga Liyanage. The suspect, who had reportedly been hiding overseas for several years, had spent a long period in Dubai before fleeing to Azerbaijan about a year ago. Authorities later initiated a diplomatic process to secure his return to Sri Lanka.
Following his arrival at the airport, the suspect was escorted out of the premises under extremely tight security. He is currently in the custody of the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).
Batuwatte Chamara is widely known for allegedly operating large-scale drug trafficking and organized criminal activities in Sri Lanka while residing abroad. Investigations have identified him as a major supplier in the distribution network responsible for importing large quantities of “Ice” (Crystal Methamphetamine) into the country.
Authorities say his operations extended beyond Sri Lanka and were linked to an international network, particularly operating through Malaysia. Investigations further revealed that the narcotics were allegedly smuggled into Sri Lanka via sea routes.
Serious allegations have also been made regarding his alleged connections with the notorious Ibrahim Dawood gang in India as well as individuals linked to the LTTE. His drug distribution network was reportedly active in areas including Negombo, Peliyagoda, Gampaha, Ja-Ela, and Ragama, where investigators say he operated with significant financial backing. Police sources indicate that he has a criminal history spanning nearly 25 years.
Before entering the underworld, Manoj Suranga Liyanage had reportedly attempted to build a career as a model. However, after being imprisoned in connection with a firearm possession case, he is said to have entered the criminal underworld through the contacts he developed while in custody.
Over time, he allegedly established close links with several prominent underworld figures, including Jude Priyantha, Kimbula Ela Guna, Potta Naufer, and Anamalu Imithiyas. He was later also associated with criminals such as Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salintha.
Although he had remained relatively unknown to the public for years, his name gained wider attention following the murder of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, in which he was allegedly implicated. He has also been accused of directing the murders of Army Upul and Kudu Sunitha.
In addition, audio recordings allegedly linked to his dealings with an overseas female drug trafficker known as “Kudhu Dilini” had previously surfaced. Authorities further allege that Batuwatte Chamara directed the recent shooting targeting Thusitha Halloluwa.
Sri Lankan security forces intensified efforts to dismantle his network in 2026. In April this year, the Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested three alleged members of his gang along with a stock of “Ice” narcotics and handed them over to Ragama Police.
Meanwhile, rival underworld groups had also reportedly issued threats against him. On March 7, 2026, more than 40 rounds were fired from a T-56 assault rifle at the house of his wife, Chathurika Weerasuriya, in the Ja-Ela area. Reports indicated that the attack stemmed from ongoing clashes between rival underworld gangs. The house was reportedly being operated as an elders’ home at the time of the shooting.
Since 2024, authorities have brought back more than 46 organized criminals and their associates to Sri Lanka. The public now awaits legal action against those individuals.
