The Hon. Ananda Wijepala – Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, I respond to the question under Standing Order 27(2).

¶ 02 In line with “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” and “Rule of Law – Inclusive Justice System,” we act on equal legal protection, transparency and efficiency, independence and public trust.

¶ 03 1) We do not accept that recent shootings and homicides have unsettled general public life. Data do not show a significant increase: first two months—2016: 12 shootings; 2018: 12; 2024: 14; 2025: 14. Comparable to 2024.

¶ 04 Measures underway: All-island mobile patrols, roadblocks (instant and regular), operations with Tri-Forces and STF, Rapid Response motorcycle units, and island-wide intelligence and surveillance have been deployed to suppress homicides by organised crime and drug traffickers.

¶ 05 2) A formal procedure ensuring the safety of suspects taken out from stations is in force. I will table the guidelines. Other instruments include Supreme Court FR 398/2008; the IGP’s circular 2747/2023 and Crime Circular 02/2023 dated 25.03.2023 issued to all officers. These guidelines will be tabled.

¶ 06 3) Media photos sometimes circulate when suspects are arrested in the presence of third parties. Media ethics rest with respective outlets. The Government will not issue prohibitory orders infringing the right to information under Article 14A of the Constitution.

¶ 07 4) Prevention plan: In addition to arrests, the same island-wide patrols, roadblocks, STF/Tri-Forces operations, rapid response units, and intelligence/surveillance are in place. All stations also monitor and review registered offenders. Community Policing Committees strengthen police-public cooperation, public awareness, and information sharing. A new Central Crime Investigation Unit has been established. Interpol Red Notices have been issued to bring back overseas-organised criminals, using Mutual Assistance laws and Extradition where applicable. Additional IGP circulars include 2763/2023(1) dated 18.11.2024 on offender management and the Sri Lanka Police Gazette (Part II) No. 1,948 of 06.01.2016 on divisional responsibilities—both will be tabled.

¶ 08 There is no clash between the IGP and the National Police Commission. There is no issue for the Government in continuing an independent commission for the police.

¶ 09 5) On strengthening the National Security Council (NSC): National security is treated as a prime priority; measures, policies, and frameworks are being updated in line with evolving threats. The NSC meets fortnightly, and as needed at short notice, and includes:

¶ 10 Political authority: - H.E. the President – Commander-in-Chief; Minister of Defence; Minister of Finance, Treasury and Economic Development - Hon. Prime Minister - Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism - Hon. Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs - Hon. State Minister of Defence

¶ 11 Officials: - Secretary to the President - Secretary, Ministry of Defence - Secretary, Ministry of Finance - Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism - Secretary, Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs - Commander of the Army - Commander of the Navy - Commander of the Air Force - Inspector-General of Police - Chief of National Intelligence - Director-General, State Intelligence Service - Director-General, Directorate of Military Intelligence

¶ 12 Relevant Ministers, Secretaries or institutional heads attend as required depending on agenda items. Decisions are conveyed as clear directives to responsible authorities; progress is periodically reviewed by the Ministry of Defence and reported back to the NSC. The Government is satisfied with current functioning while continuously adapting to evolving threats.

¶ 13 Guidelines and documents referred to are placed in the Library.