November 18, Colombo (LNW): Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today (18) that investigators have stumbled upon indications of possible ties between certain politicians and underworld figures.
These leads, he said, surfaced during questioning of several recently detained suspects, including individuals associated with Ishara Sewwandi, who was arrested earlier this year.
Speaking during the Committee Stage debate on the 2026 Budget, the Minister confirmed that inquiries are actively progressing, with multiple agencies now examining the alleged connections. He added that, in parallel, international efforts are under way to apprehend a further 80 fugitives sought for organised criminal activity.
Interpol has issued Red Notices for these individuals, and Sri Lankan authorities are said to be working closely with the organisation to coordinate their capture.
Wijepala also reported a series of significant arms recoveries linked to intelligence extracted from a group of gang members detained in Indonesia. Since August 30, security forces have seized seven T-56 rifles, a T81 firearm, six pistols, nine revolvers, two additional weapons and nearly a thousand rounds of ammunition.
