Sri Lanka’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Priyantha Weerasuriya, has issued a stark warning that individuals linked to organised crime and drug trafficking are infiltrating the island’s political system, with some already preparing to contest upcoming elections.
Speaking to the media, Weerasuriya said several figures involved in the narcotics trade and criminal networks had already entered politics, using it as a cover for their illicit operations.
“This is a matter that political parties must urgently address,” he said. “They must decide whether to grant membership or candidacy to individuals with ties to organised crime and narcotics.”
The IGP urged all political parties to take responsibility and ensure that such individuals are not legitimised through political office. He stressed that the issue “transcends party lines” and called for “open dialogue and accountability across all political platforms.”
Weerasuriya cautioned that these criminal elements were attempting to use political legitimacy as a shield, disguising their activities under the appearance of public service. “They wear white and commit dark deeds,” he remarked. “Their goal is to use politics as a cover for drug trafficking and organised crime.”
His comments come amid mounting concern over Sri Lanka’s spiralling drug crisis and allegations of deep-rooted corruption linking politicians, law enforcement, and organised criminal networks.
