The Hon. Ananda Wijepala

¶ 01 With regard to the spike in violence, intelligence divisions have recorded that organized criminal gangs are influencing these developments. Investigations are underway and strike teams have been deployed to apprehend offenders.

¶ 02 1. Although there have been internal clashes among organized criminal gangs, they do not pose a threat to the State or national security. Therefore, the Government does not accept the allegation presented.

¶ 03 While there are reports of internal conflicts among such gangs, Sri Lanka Police cannot, without a systematic data verification, assert any impact on the tourism and investment sectors.

¶ 04 2. Hon. Leader of the Opposition, you inquired about the Government’s alternative action plan. To date: - 32 incidents have been concluded. - 32 shooters, 19 motorcyclists, and 216 facilitators have been arrested. - Seized: 16 firearms, 36 motorcycles, 2 cars, 8 three-wheelers, and 2 vans.

¶ 05 A large number of major drug traffickers residing overseas are directing operations. We have sought 70 Red Notices for identified traffickers and commenced expedited discussions with those countries to bring them back, with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Through these efforts, 11 organized criminals have been repatriated to Sri Lanka, including “Loku Pati,” “Rotumba Upali,” and Ravindu Sandeepa.

¶ 06 Given that about 66% of these crimes are linked to drug trafficking, an automated facial recognition system has been installed at the airport to identify suspects both when departing and upon arrival. Using this, eight organized criminals fleeing or entering the country were identified and arrested at the airport.

¶ 07 Last week it emerged that a serving Immigration Officer allegedly facilitated the issuance of a travel document for a gang member to flee the country, by inserting another person’s fingerprints to match the passport holder’s face. The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an inquiry, and immediate action is being taken. As I stated earlier, information indicates certain police officers, politicians, and immigration officers have aided these criminals. This is a complex situation.

¶ 08 To curb drug smuggling, we are installing scanners at airports and seaports. We have commenced rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for drug dependents. Illegal sea routes are a primary channel for drugs; the Navy and Police Narcotics Bureau have launched joint operations. We are securing equipment to intercept Iridium satellite phones and technical support to counter communication channel hopping used on multi-day boats.

¶ 09 Because traffickers obtain multiple SIMs under various names, the Government has initiated legal measures to cap SIMs per person to five. Numerous investigations are underway under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act into illicit funds and assets of drug traffickers. The Central Bank has been requested to impose restrictions on EZ Cash and mCash transactions used for illicit dealings; discussions have begun.

¶ 10 To stop drug operations from prisons, we are disrupting inmates’ phone connectivity. Working with Tri-Forces Intelligence, State Intelligence Service, and others, we are gathering information and enforcing the law. We are providing modern technology and strengthening rehabilitation; Rs. 500 million has been allocated in the 2025 Budget for drug rehabilitation. This year, 2,000 school-based awareness programmes are being conducted with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.

¶ 11 On threats targeting MPs and local councillors, we have received several complaints: - On 2025.05.01, Senior Superintendent C.C. Bamunu Arachchi, the IGP’s Personal Assistant, reported a call from a person named Samarakoṇ, stating that the Dubai-based organized criminal “Kanjipani Imran” had given a contract—through an inmate at Boossa Prison, B. Saman Kumara alias “IDH Sudda”—to assassinate SDIG Deshabandu Tennakoon. Phone analysis reports have been obtained. Facts have been reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court under B.39554/25 to record statements and verify the inmate’s details; investigations are ongoing.

¶ 12 - On 2025.05.15, Additional Secretary A.B.M. Ashraff, Prime Minister’s Office, complained of a death threat emailed to the Prime Minister. Details have been sought from Google regarding the relevant Gmail account; initial data indicate IP addresses linked to Germany and the Netherlands. A request has been made via Interpol for full reports; the Court will be informed thereafter.

¶ 13 - On 2024.08.23, an emergency complaint to 118 (Ministry of Public Security) alleged that a member of “Loku Pati’s” gang planned a sniper attack on Hon. Sajith Premadasa, MP. All details provided by the complainant are recorded; the implicated number is under investigation. The information appears unsubstantial and likely intended to harass someone; further inquiry continues.

¶ 14 - On 2024.05.15, Nihal Dushmantha Kodippili Weerasinghe, Office Assistant, Ministry of Finance, complained that former State Minister of Finance Semasinghe telephoned and issued obscene threats, stating that if he came to Anuradhapura, he would be shot after being forced to stop. The incident was reported to the Fort Police. Although a request was made to investigate it as a cognizable offence, the learned Magistrate declined and directed referral to the Mediation Board. The Anuradhapura Divisional SSP has taken steps accordingly.

¶ 15 Those are the complaints received regarding officials and politicians. That is my answer to the Hon. Leader of the Opposition.

¶ 16 Thank you.