The wife of slain underworld figure Makandure Madush has lodged a formal complaint at Police Headquarters, calling for a full and impartial investigation into his death while in police custody in October 2020.
Speaking to the media after submitting her complaint, Gayani Muthumali, the legal wife of Madush, voiced strong suspicion about the circumstances surrounding his killing.
“He was in police custody for nearly a year and a half. If he had been sentenced and executed by a court, that would have been justice. But to be killed like an animal on the street—there’s something seriously wrong. Even the motorcycle linked to another underworld group was found at the scene, yet we’ve received no information about suspects. It’s been five years. All we’re asking for is justice,” she said.
When questioned about her long silence, Muthumali explained, “At the time, I wasn’t ready to speak publicly. But today, I have hope that the current government will uphold the law and deliver justice. That’s why I’ve come forward.”
Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera, who is assisting the family, said Madush had been cooperating with the Criminal Investigation Department for over a year, providing sensitive information about political figures, police officers, and other influential individuals. He alleged that there were efforts to suppress these revelations and that the circumstances of Madush’s death suggest a possible cover-up.
Madush was arrested in Dubai on February 5, 2019, and deported to Sri Lanka three months later. He was held by the CID from May 5, 2019, before being handed over to the Colombo Crimes Division on October 16, 2020. Just four days later, on October 20, he was fatally shot in Maligawatte during a police operation where he had reportedly been taken to identify a narcotics stash.
The case has gained renewed attention after Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe told Parliament on September 9 that Madush had been in possession of information implicating more than 80 politicians in drug trafficking operations.
