‘Walpola Lala’ arrested over 6 cases

2026-03-24 - 07:25

Mulleriyawa Police have arrested a suspect linked to multiple burglary incidents. The suspect has been identified as Sumithra Arachchige Lalantha Gunawardena (38), alias “Walpola Lala.” He was arrested at Walpola Junction during a special operation conducted by a police patrol team while in possession of over 10 g of crystal methamphetamine (Ice). At the time of arrest, he was travelling on a motorcycle, and a weighing scale was also recovered, prompting further investigations. During interrogation, the suspect confessed that the scale had been stolen from a retail outlet in Malabe and was intended for resale. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered several sharp weapons, including swords and machetes. Investigations are underway to determine whether these were used in criminal activities. Police further revealed that the suspect had stolen items such as gas cylinders and water pumps, which were sold to a resident of the Kumbura Road area in Hinatiyana. These items have also been taken into custody. Meanwhile, he also confessed to stealing iron goods from a hardware store on Avissawella Road and to robbing a sum of Rs. 30,000 on the Mulleriyawa-Avissawella Road. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is linked to 06 separate incidents. He was produced before the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court No. 08 today (March 24).