CCIB: Six Elite Divisions To Tackle Major Crimes

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police officially inaugurated the newly established Central Criminal Investigation Bureau (CCIB), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to modernize and streamline criminal investigations.

The CCIB has been set up within the historic premises of the former Labour Department building in Narahenpita and will operate under the leadership of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Ranmal Kodithuwakku, with Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa appointed as its Director.

This new bureau will function through six specialized divisions, each tasked with handling complex and high-priority cases:

Illegal Asset Investigations (Rs. 25 million – Rs. 50 million range)
Homicide and Organized Crime Investigations
Cybercrime Investigations
Human Trafficking and Smuggling Investigations
Maritime Crime Investigations
Criminal Intelligence and Analysis

Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala emphasized the urgent need to decentralize criminal investigations and reduce the overwhelming caseload currently handled by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“People from remote areas travel long distances seeking justice through the CID. With nearly 60,000 complaints pending, it’s clear we need a more efficient system,” he said.

“The CCIB will ensure complaints are streamlined through the Inspector General and directed to the appropriate divisions. Investigations will begin promptly, and provincial crime units will support this structure. This initiative is not just about efficiency — it’s about restoring public trust and driving social reform.”

CCIB is expected to significantly enhance the country’s capacity to investigate and resolve serious crimes.