October 27, Colombo (LNW): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya, has cautioned that figures associated with organised crime and drug trafficking are making concerted efforts to infiltrate the nation’s political arena.
Weerasuriya revealed that certain individuals with such backgrounds have already entered political circles and are positioning themselves to contest in forthcoming national elections.
He urged political parties to take immediate responsibility in addressing this concern, stressing the importance of carefully considering whether individuals with criminal affiliations should be granted party membership or nominations.
“This is not an issue confined to one political faction,” he remarked, calling for transparency, accountability, and collective action across all political movements.
The Police Chief further warned that these elements seek to exploit political authority as a means to legitimise their illegal enterprises, disguising their criminal activities behind a façade of public service.
“They present themselves as virtuous, yet their actions are anything but. Their true intent is to use politics as a cover for narcotics and organised crime,” Weerasuriya stated.
