Maldives extradites man wanted in Sri Lanka double murder

A Sri Lankan man wanted in a double murder was extradited from the Maldives on Saturday.

According to Sri Lankan police, the 23-year-old suspect, a resident of Ethulgama, played a key role in the double murder that occurred on February 13 in the Akuregoda area.

The victims, an attorney-at-law and his wife, were shot while travelling in their vehicle. Police believe the suspect drove the getaway vehicle used by the gunmen following the attack.

He had an Interpol red notice out for his arrest.

Sri Lankan newspapers report that the man was detained and extradited from the Maldives on Saturday.

He was subsequently arrested upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

The Maldivian police were not immediately available for comment regarding the case.

The Daily Mirror, quoting Sri Lankan police, reported that the suspect has a criminal history and was out on strict bail over previous cases at the time of the double murder. He had been arrested by the Malwathuhiripitiya Police on October 21, 2025 for the unlawful possession of a T-56 assault rifle and later released on strict bail by the Minuwangoda Magistrate's Court. He was also arrested by the Welikada Police on December 15, 2025 for heroin possession and subsequently released on strict bail by the relevant Magistrate's Court.

Sri Lankan police are continuing investigations to determine the suspect's alleged links to the organized criminal network believed to be behind the double murder.