‘Cowardly Criminals Can’t Hide Anymore’ - Sri Lanka’s IGP Targets Overseas Crime Lords

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Weerasuriya, has declared war on transnational criminal networks and their local collaborators, including those previously shielded by political protection.

Speaking publicly, IGP Weerasuriya revealed that a group of “cowardly criminals” who cannot even appear under their real names have fled the country and are now orchestrating criminal operations from abroad.

“These individuals, who cannot be identified even by the names they were born with, are directing criminal activities from overseas. They were previously protected by political cover, but that protection is no longer available,” he said.

According to the IGP, these foreign-based masterminds are now exploiting local drug traffickers and addicts—including some members of the armed forces and police—to carry out their operations.

“We are conducting deep investigations into these networks. We have uncovered direct and indirect links between these criminals and those who once provided them political protection. Legal action will be taken,” he added.

IGP Weerasuriya made it clear that internal corruption will not be tolerated. He acknowledged that criminals had previously emerged from within the police force and vowed to prevent such occurrences in the future.

“If a police officer commits a crime, they will be treated as a criminal and presented before the courts. Disciplinary action will follow based on judicial proceedings,” he affirmed.

He emphasized that restoring public trust in the police is a top priority and announced a new WhatsApp hotline (0718598888) for citizens to report misconduct or injustice involving police officers.

“I cannot promise instant solutions, but I will ensure maximum fairness. If officers fail to deliver the service the public deserves, those shortcomings will be exposed,” he said.

The IGP confirmed that 11 major criminals who had been hiding abroad have already been brought back to Sri Lanka and are now in custody. He assured that steps are being taken to prevent others from fleeing the country.

“We have successfully uncovered their methods and are countering them. This operation cannot be carried out under normal legal procedures. We have informed the President, the Minister of Justice, and the Minister of Public Security about the need for legal reforms,” he stated.

Drafts of the necessary legal provisions are currently being prepared to support these operations.

IGP Weerasuriya concluded by reaffirming that international confidence in the Sri Lanka Police has already been established. However, he acknowledged internal shortcomings and stressed the need for institutional reform.

“We must clean up the police force and elevate it to a superior standard. That is the direction we are heading,” he declared.