'Pay or Die': President Reveals Dark Nexus Between Politics and Organized Crime

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made explosive claims alleging the existence of a deeply entrenched network linking organized crime, political influence, and extortion, vowing strong action to dismantle what he described as a dangerous system operating within the country.

Addressing the issue, the President revealed that money had been demanded in exchange for life itself, stating that individuals had been asked to pay large sums to avoid being killed while in custody. He said similar payments were sought to ensure protection from death and even to secure the removal of detention orders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

“Money is being taken to kill individuals without producing them before courts. Money is being taken with promises of protection from death. Remember, there are no party divisions in this. These details are now coming to light. People will begin to understand what has been happening. ‘Pay us if you don’t want to be killed. Pay us if you want protection from death. Pay us if you want to be removed from PTA detention orders.’ This is how political networks have become intertwined with these activities,” the President said.

He warned that such practices would not be allowed to continue, stressing that attempts to bury these matters would fail under his administration. The President reiterated that it is the responsibility of the State to ensure all offenders are brought before the law, highlighting that investigations will proceed, arrests will be made, and legal action will be pursued through the Attorney General’s Department.

“We will investigate, make arrests, file cases through the Attorney General’s Department, and ensure punishment through the judicial system,” he said.

The President also pointed to a troubling history of violence and abuse, noting that there have been instances where individuals were allegedly killed after being taken into custody, as well as cases where ransom had been demanded in exchange for protection from such killings.

Raising further concerns, he alleged that certain political figures maintained suspicious connections with imprisoned drug traffickers. Referring to a specific case, the President claimed that a political leader had engaged in 92 phone calls with incarcerated drug dealers, including 54 outgoing calls, describing it as an example of the kind of political authority that has contributed to the growth of organized crime.

“This is the political authority we are talking about. I do not know whether you are still maintaining such individuals within your parties. At the very least, have you conducted any disciplinary action?” he questioned, urging political parties to take responsibility.

According to the President, the failure to act against such individuals has allowed narcotics networks and organized crime to flourish, further deepening the crisis. He emphasized that his government is determined to dismantle these links completely.

“We will completely put an end to the protection provided by political authority to such activities. No one should call this political revenge,” he said, rejecting claims that the ongoing actions are politically motivated.

The President stressed that his administration had been given a strong public mandate to reform the State and restore discipline, accountability, and integrity within institutions.