Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, widely known by his underworld alias "Harak Kata", is one of Sri Lanka’s most notorious drug kingpins and organized crime figures. Originating from Weligama, he built an international heroin trafficking network operating across Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, Seychelles, Maldives, and Madagascar.
He was arrested in Madagascar in early 2023 alongside associates like “Kudu Salindu” on an Interpol warrant and repatriated to Sri Lanka. Facing multiple charges—including murder, robbery, assault, and large-scale drug trafficking—he has been detained primarily under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) at high-security facilities such as Old Tangalle Prison.
Harak Kata has repeatedly alleged political and police interference, claiming former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon demanded a Rs. 300 million bribe for his release, which he refused. His family filed a complaint with the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances in Geneva over prolonged detention. His wife, Maheshika Madhuwanthi, has pursued legal action against media outlets.
Key incidents include a foiled escape plot from CID custody, an assassination attempt (plotter disguised as a journalist), and health issues leading to hospitalization for Chikungunya in 2025. He has made dramatic court statements, notably declaring “I am a free boy now” outside Colombo High Court in September 2025.
As of 2026, associates like ‘Midigama Chooti’ continue to be arrested abroad for alleged plots to free him. Court cases involving burglary, escape attempts, and drug offenses remain active with frequent high-security appearances and remands. Harak Kata’s saga highlights Sri Lanka’s challenges with transnational crime, alleged underworld-political links, and debates over PTA usage.
Here is the video of Harak Kata