Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced that the Government will establish special High Courts to expedite legal proceedings against organised criminals, ensuring swift trials and tougher enforcement.
Addressing a press briefing yesterday (28) at the Department of Government Information, the Minister said creating a disciplined society remains a top priority, and no one would be allowed to act above the law. Strong measures are underway to dismantle organised crime and the drug trade, which he said had long thrived under political patronage.
Over the past ten months, the Government has focused on restoring the rule of law by strengthening action against bribery, corruption, and fraud. “Frequent shootings, organised crime, and drug trafficking had become pressing public concerns. The people’s mandate was to free law enforcement institutions from political interference, and we have delivered on that,” Minister Wijepala noted.
Major Arrests and International Cooperation
Several key underworld figures have been apprehended, including notorious gang leader Kehelbaddara Padme, who was arrested in Indonesia along with five others following a week-long joint operation. Nearly 75 criminals remain on Interpol red warrant lists, while 20 fugitives have already been repatriated. The group arrested in Indonesia will be extradited shortly.
The Minister credited these successes to the independence now granted to police. “Such operations were only possible because law enforcement has been freed from political interference,” he stressed.
He further revealed that 72 T-56 rifles had leaked from military camps in previous years, of which 38 have since been recovered. Disciplinary measures have been taken against those responsible, and new safeguards introduced.
Global Networks and New Legislation
Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Secretary Ravi Senaviratne said organised criminal groups based in India, Thailand, the Middle East, and Indonesia had expanded their operations into Sri Lanka, aided by political protection in the past. With international cooperation, Sri Lankan authorities have identified and arrested several such figures.
IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya noted that once political protection was withdrawn, many gang leaders fled abroad and continued to operate as international networks. Now, with restored independence, police have gained the trust of foreign counterparts. He highlighted recent arrests of high-profile suspects facing charges including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking, achieved entirely within international legal frameworks.
Plans are also underway to introduce new legislation specifically targeting organised crime. Investigations continue into staged incidents and prison-based networks, with efforts to prevent inmates from directing operations from within jails.
Law Enforcement Gains Ground
SSP Ruwan Kumara of the Crime Records Division reported that intensified police operations over the past two years have forced gangs to spend heavily to remain underground. A centralised database has been set up to track rivalries, and facial recognition systems installed at airports to detect suspects.
So far this year, police have seized nearly 200 high-powered weapons and over 1,600 other firearms, while arresting 338 suspects, including 36 contract gunmen.
“About 80% of shootings were linked to power struggles among drug and crime gangs,” DIG Kumara added. “While most victims were gang members, several civilians, including children, have also been killed. Compared globally, Sri Lanka Police now stands at the forefront of organised crime suppression.”
Restoring Public Confidence
Minister Wijepala reaffirmed the Government’s commitment:
“The establishment of special courts will ensure efficient trials and swift justice, paving the way for a society where citizens can live freely, securely, and with full confidence in the justice system.”
