Continued Detention for 'Pekko Saman’s' Wife on Money Laundering Charges
11-Oct-2025.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court on October 9 ordered that Shadika Lakshani, the wife of underworld criminal ‘Pekko Saman’, be further remanded until October 23 on charges of money laundering connected to organized crime.
The order was issued by Colombo Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama when the case was taken up for hearing.
According to investigations under Section 54 of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Shadika Lakshani was arrested on allegations of engaging in drug trafficking and laundering illicit funds. Investigators stated that the money deposited in her bank accounts lacked proper documentation or legitimate proof of source.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the court that 13 bank accounts opened under her name and those of close relatives had been frozen, five of which directly belonged to her.
Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, representing the CID, told the court that two of the frozen accounts—belonging to her sister, Lakshani Deshanchali—had recorded suspicious deposits amounting to 56.3 million rupees in 2024 and 20.2 million rupees in 2025.
Similarly, her father, Pathinike Sunil Shantha, had deposits totaling 21.1 million rupees, despite being a brick-making laborer—a fact that raised serious suspicion.
Police suspect that the money in these accounts may have originated from drug trafficking proceeds. They have already recorded three witness statements confirming her involvement and sought court permission to record additional statements from two suspects currently in remand for possessing 38 kilograms of heroin in Embilipitiya.
It was further revealed that four bank accounts had been opened in Dubai under Shadika Lakshani’s name, but their numbers are yet to be traced.
The defense counsel argued that there was insufficient evidence to prove her client’s direct involvement in drug trafficking and requested her release. After reviewing submissions from both sides, the Magistrate ordered her continued detention under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act until October 23.
