- 22 criminals, drug lords already repatriated
- Aim to dismantle transnational crime networks
- Border surveillance to be tightened to prevent drug flow
Eleven persons identified as members of organised criminal groups have been repatriated to Sri Lanka over the past six months through coordinated efforts between Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies and Interpol. Another 11 suspects have been extradited to Sri Lanka during the past two years. According to the Police, the suspects are currently in custody and face multiple charges, including drug trafficking, financial crimes, extortion, and incidents related to organised violence. Some of them are also under investigation for alleged links to terrorist activities.
Among the suspects who have been repatriated are Nadun Wickremaratane alias Hark Kata, Salindu Malshika alias Kudu Salindu, Mohammed Ifthikar, Piyum Hasthika alias Piyuma, Ramesh Priyajanaka alias Manna Ramesh, Ruwan Chamara alias Midigama Ruwan, Avishka Madushan alias Kiri Kolla, Dimuthu Chathuranga, Dinesh de Silva alias Babi, Binoy Dilshan, Pradeep Sandaruwan, Fathima Farshana Shihab, N.Upali alias Rotumba Upali, Hemantha Silva, Ravindu Gunasekara, Gayan Chamara, Sujeewa Ruwan Kumara alias Loku Petie, Eranga Hettiarachchi and Amila Chandranath.
The suspects have been brought down from countries including Madagascar, India, Nepal, Maldives, United Arab Emirates and Belarus. At least, one suspect was nabbed at the Bandaranaike International Airport while coming to Sri Lanka on his own volition.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Security said that the operation is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle transnational criminal networks operating from abroad. The Government is working closely with foreign Governments to nab more gangsters operating from abroad.
Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Sunday Observer that the Government is focusing on the operational infrastructure and support systems that have enabled such groups to function for years.
“We will end organised criminal group activities and drug trafficking to Sri Lanka and wholesale and retail drug networks within the country,” the Minister said.
He added that the recent incidents of gun violence are largely connected to disputes within and between criminal groups, many of which, he said, had previously benefited from political protection that has since been withdrawn after the National People’s Power Government assumed office last year.
He said that investigations have also revealed that criminal acts are being carried out through a range of different strategies. “In some cases, those involved in shootings had no prior contact with one another, and weapons were sourced through third parties,” said Minister Wijepala.
The Minister said that the Ministry is focusing on long-term preventive measures and efforts to strengthen border surveillance, particularly along coastal routes. Intelligence information is assessed around the clock. Several measures have been implemented to curb illegal drug trafficking into the country.
He said that the Ministry has also launched community-level awareness and rehabilitation initiatives for those dependent on narcotics covering all districts. A media campaign in partnership with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board is also expected to begin in the coming weeks.
