Sri Lankan fugitive Saranga Pradeep, alias "Welle Saranga," has reportedly been arrested in Dubai following information supplied by Sri Lankan law-enforcement and intelligence authorities.
Current reporting says Dubai Police apprehended the suspect based on information provided by Sri Lanka's Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and State Intelligence Service (SIS).
However, Sri Lankan authorities said at the time of reporting that formal official notification of the arrest had not yet been communicated to Sri Lanka.
Arrest reported in Dubai
According to reports citing Sri Lankan authorities, Dubai Police arrested Welle Saranga following intelligence supplied by the CCIB and SIS.
Sri Lankan officers had reportedly travelled to Dubai in connection with the arrest of another wanted Sri Lankan, Lalith Kannangara, also known as "Bus Lalith."
The information relating to Welle Saranga was reportedly provided during that operation.
Drugs reportedly found
Reports further state that cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, were allegedly found in Welle Saranga's possession when he was apprehended.
These remain allegations associated with the reported arrest and should not be presented as findings of guilt.
Formal notification still pending
An important procedural qualification remains.
Sri Lankan authorities said that formal notification confirming the arrest had not yet been officially communicated to Sri Lanka at the time the development was reported.
The reported arrest and the formal diplomatic or law-enforcement notification process should therefore be distinguished.
What happens next?
No extradition or transfer to Sri Lanka should be treated as completed merely because an arrest has reportedly taken place in Dubai.
Any subsequent transfer, deportation, extradition, prosecution or other legal process will depend on decisions and procedures involving the relevant authorities.
Further official confirmation is therefore expected.