Former SLPP Local Councillor Arrested in Drug Bust; Party Suspends Fugitive Brother's Membership

COLOMBO — A former local councilor of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Piyal Manamperi, has been arrested in connection with the discovery of nearly 50,000 kg of raw materials used for manufacturing 'Ice' (crystal methamphetamine). Police confirmed that Manamperi, a former Angunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha member, was taken into custody in the Middeniya area based on his alleged involvement.

The raw materials were discovered on land belonging to his brother, Sampath Manamperi, a resident of Thalawa, Angunukolapelessa. Sampath Manamperi had contested in the Angunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha election under the SLPP ticket. He is currently on the run.

According to police investigations, these details were uncovered during the interrogation of suspects, including Kehelbaddara Padme , who were arrested recently. It has also been revealed that a person known as 'Backhoe Saman' coordinated the transportation of the raw materials.

SLPP Issues Statement on Member's Alleged Drug Connection

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has issued a special statement regarding the incident. The statement, signed by SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, reads as follows:

"A member of our party, Sampath Manamperi, a resident of Thalawa, Angunukolapelessa, has been accused of possessing raw materials used in drug manufacturing. Our party has a zero-tolerance policy for such charges. Therefore, his party membership has been immediately suspended.

The charges against him are of a very serious nature. As a party, we expect the investigations into these allegations to be concluded quickly and the truth to be revealed to the public."