Military Personnel Linked To Drug Crimes To Face Law - No Cover-Ups, says Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Acting Minister of Defence Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara informed Parliament that military personnel currently in active service, as well as those who have left the forces, and are allegedly involved in criminal activities — including drug trafficking — will be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other relevant agencies for investigation.

Responding to a question raised in Parliament, Minister Jayasekara stated that reports have emerged linking certain serving and former military personnel to organized crime and narcotics operations. He confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has formally notified the commanders of the tri-forces to cooperate with investigations and to transfer any implicated individuals to the CID in accordance with legal procedures.

“There will be no interference from the Defence Ministry or the military leadership. We are committed to upholding the law and ensuring full cooperation with investigative authorities,” he said.

He further assured that civil law will apply to former personnel, while military law will be enforced on those still in service, depending on the nature of the offenses.

Addressing concerns raised by MP Raveendra Bandara of the National People's Power (NPP) regarding the apparent decline in maritime drug interdiction operations, Minister Jayasekara clarified that the Sri Lanka Navy continues to conduct special operations in deep-sea areas to intercept drug trafficking routes. He added that the tri-forces and Civil Defence Force will continue to support police-led operations as needed.