President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the Government is committed to bringing those responsible for fraud and corruption involving public property before the law, stressing that no crime will be allowed to “be buried in the sands of time.”
Speaking during the Adjournment Debate on Combatting the Drug Menace in Parliament yesterday (25), the President said the mandate given to his administration was to build a “civilised state” founded on justice, accountability and the rule of law.
He said the Government would not pursue personal vendettas, but would ensure that everyone—from the President to the most junior public official—remains accountable under the law.
President Dissanayake also announced that the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be repealed within this year, with final discussions on the replacement legislation already concluded.
He said the new law would focus solely on preventing terrorism, while a separate Organised Crime Act with clear legal definitions would be introduced to combat organised criminal networks without undermining fundamental rights or democratic freedoms.
The President said the broad provisions of the PTA had previously allowed for abuse against political opponents and stressed that the new legal framework would prevent such misuse.
He also outlined the Government’s efforts to dismantle organised criminal gangs and drug trafficking networks, arguing that the problem extends beyond criminals themselves to include corruption within state institutions and political patronage.
According to the President, 23 individuals subject to Interpol Red Notices have been extradited to Sri Lanka, while a further 35 suspects linked to drug trafficking have also been arrested and brought back to the country.
He said the Government has also introduced stricter prison measures, including the establishment of a new high-security prison facility at Welisara designed to prevent inmates from directing criminal activities from behind bars.
President Dissanayake defended the work of officials leading investigations into organised crime and corruption, including Criminal Investigation Department Director Shani Abeysekara, Bribery Commission Director General Ranga Dissanayake, Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne, Minister Ananda Wijepala and Attorney General’s Department official Dileepa Peiris, saying they had become targets of political criticism because of their efforts.
He also said investigations into major cases—including the murders of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge and rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, the assault on several journalists, and the Easter Sunday attacks—must continue without political interference.
The President further claimed that investigations had identified large-scale foreign currency outflows linked to corruption and illicit funds, alleging that advance payments amounting to nearly US$1 billion had been transferred overseas without goods being imported.
He said the Government had introduced new regulations to curb such transactions and was investigating the involvement of several bank branches.
The President reiterated that the Government’s objective is to strengthen investigative institutions, recruit additional legal personnel, establish new High Courts to expedite cases, and ensure justice is delivered through the judicial system.