August 17, Colombo (LNW): A more comprehensive and intelligence-driven strategy is now being deployed to tackle organised criminal activity across the country, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya.
Speaking to the media during a visit to Kandy—following formal meetings with the senior Buddhist clergy of the Asgiri and Malwathu chapters—the IGP outlined a renewed national plan designed to confront the growing menace of underworld gangs, contract killings, and illicit narcotics operations.
He emphasised that this new approach marks a clear shift away from previously used methods, describing the current plan as more methodical, data-led, and collaborative in nature. According to the police chief, close coordination is now underway with the armed forces and other government agencies, whilst ordinary citizens are being encouraged to come forward with information that could assist investigations.
IGP Weerasooriya acknowledged the complexity of the problem, noting that some of these criminal networks have, over time, been shielded by political interference and aided by the complicity of a few within the police and military ranks.
However, he was quick to point out that, at present, law enforcement efforts are proceeding without obstruction from political quarters, and that the government has offered its full backing to the crackdown.
“Violent crime and the drug trade did not emerge overnight,” he said, addressing reporters. “These operations have often been propped up by individuals in positions of influence, and in some cases, the very systems meant to stop them have been exploited. But we now have a clear framework in place and are acting decisively.”
He further revealed that many of the most serious crimes, including recent shootings, have links to individuals residing overseas. International cooperation has therefore become a central pillar of the strategy, with Sri Lankan authorities now working with foreign counterparts to monitor, trace, and apprehend suspects beyond national borders.
The IGP added that several suspects linked to recent violent incidents have already been apprehended, and that the ongoing campaign will involve heightened surveillance, rapid-response measures, and enhanced border monitoring to disrupt the flow of drugs and weapons into the country.
