Salindu Malshika Gunarathne, infamously known as “Kudu Salindu,” has become a symbol of how gaps in Sri Lanka’s legal and enforcement systems allow high-profile suspects to slip through the cracks. Known for his links to organised crime and drug trafficking, Salindu has repeatedly avoided justice, exposing the flaws in the country’s processes.
In March 2023, Salindu and his partner, Nadun Chinthaka Wickremaratne (nicknamed “Harak Kata”), were arrested at Madagascar’s Ivato International Airport while trying to flee the country. This high-stakes operation involved Interpol, Madagascar’s law enforcement, and Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID). After their capture, both suspects were flown back to Sri Lanka and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for further questioning.
After 21 months in custody, Salindu was granted bail in December 2024, with strict conditions. He was required to report to the CID every Sunday, but he failed to do so from the very first week. His lawyers submitted a medical certificate claiming he was unwell and later argued that death threats against him made it unsafe for him to appear. They alleged extortion attempts by police officers and threats from rival criminals, painting a picture of a man trapped between dangerous forces.
Monitoring Faliure
The court issued an open warrant for his arrest, but Salindu remained at large, further highlighting the challenges of enforcing bail conditions in Sri Lanka. Officials admitted that monitoring systems for suspects released on bail are inadequate, leaving significant room for evasion.
The lapses in the case run deep. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imesha Muthumala, the CID Director, revealed that investigations were underway into the medical officer who issued Salindu’s health certificate. However, this did little to solve the larger problem: a lack of resources and systems to track and enforce compliance among suspects out on bail.
Salindu’s case also underscored weaknesses in the broader judicial system. With cases pending in multiple courts across the country, including Panadura, Moratuwa, Mathugama, and Colombo, coordination between law enforcement and the judiciary has been poor. The lack of a centralised database or tracking mechanism further complicates efforts to ensure suspects appear in court.
Authorities have acknowledged these challenges. SSP Chamil Krishantha Ratnayake pointed out that Sri Lanka’s legal system, unlike in some countries, operates on the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” making it easier for suspects to secure bail. While this reflects a commitment to democratic values, it also creates opportunities for manipulation.
SSP Ratnayake highlighted the need for a robust tracking system for bail-out suspects, suggesting that Sri Lanka could learn from other countries with successful models. He also called for an expanded CCTV network across the country to improve investigations and monitoring. Currently, the limited use of surveillance tools leaves law enforcement relying on outdated methods.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has recognised the urgency of reform. In a recent meeting with the Attorney General’s Department, he emphasised the importance of expediting high-profile cases and restoring public trust in the judicial system. However, achieving these goals requires overcoming entrenched issues, such as political interference and inadequate resources.
The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), under which Salindu was initially detained, has also come under scrutiny. Recent amendments reduced the maximum detention period from several years to one year, limiting the time law enforcement has to build cases. Prosecution is further hindered by the sheer volume of cases involving suspects like Salindu, overwhelming the system.
Salindu’s ability to evade justice reflects a perfect storm of systemic failures: weak monitoring, insufficient technology, and poor coordination. His case serves as a wake-up call for Sri Lanka to modernise its legal and enforcement frameworks. Without urgent reforms, the country risks seeing more high-profile suspects exploit these weaknesses and erode public confidence in the justice system
