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Sri Lanka’s Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, delivered a damning statement in Parliament, confirming that multiple senior politicians are linked to organised criminal syndicates, including groups involved in drug trafficking, contract killings, and international crime networks.
Wijepala’s statement, made in response to a question from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, comes amid rising crime and intensifying concerns over the nexus between politics and underworld networks.
“This country has long been influenced by criminal elements. We now have evidence of direct political involvement in these networks,” said Wijepala, adding, “I am prepared to disclose the names of those involved once police investigations are complete.”
According to intelligence reports cited by the Minister, politicians from across the United National Party (UNP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) - including former ministers, deputy ministers, current and former MPs, and regional political figures - have maintained links with at least ten major organised crime gangs operating across the island.
Raids and surveillance escalate
Wijepala stated that 52 police divisions with high crime rates had been identified and that special operations were underway to apprehend those involved. The government has deployed island-wide raids, intensified night patrols, and launched mobile surveillance units as part of its efforts to dismantle these networks.
A Special Task Force has been established to address the infiltration of organised criminal activity into political and state institutions, with a separate Central Criminal Investigation Division (CCID) created to relieve pressure on the existing Criminal Investigation Department (CID). All police stations are now being linked to a centralised data system to enable real-time tracking of crimes, and regional crime divisions are being formed to improve investigative capacity across provinces.
Thousands arrested, arms seized, and Red Notices issued
Since the current administration assumed office, more than 3,000 suspects have been arrested, and 1,278 illegal firearms have been seized in connection with organised criminal activity. Wijepala also disclosed that many high-level drug traffickers are operating from abroad, with 70 Red Notices issued through Interpol. So far, 11 major suspects have been extradited through diplomatic negotiations.
Intelligence exposes assassination and death plots
Wijepala went on to reveal details of recent investigations tied to organised crime networks:
1. Plot to assassinate suspended IGP
Intelligence reports have uncovered an alleged plan to assassinate suspended Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakoon, reportedly orchestrated by underworld figure Kanjipani Imran, who is believed to be operating from Dubai.
The plot was allegedly to be executed by a remand prisoner, V. Saman Kumara (alias I.D.H. Sudda), currently held at Boossa Prison, via instructions relayed through a phone call. Investigators have traced and analysed the communication, and the case has been filed under B39554/25 in the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, which has granted permission to verify the suspect’s presence and record his statement.2. Death threat to Prime Minister
Wijepala revealed that on 15 May, a threatening email was sent to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Investigators traced the IP addresses used to send the message to locations in Germany and the Netherlands. The matter remains under investigation with the assistance of international law enforcement.
3. Sniper plot against Opposition Leader
In August 2023, intelligence received a tip regarding a planned sniper attack on Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. The alleged plot was reportedly linked to associates of the underworld figure known as Loku Patti. Upon further investigation, the claim was found to be baseless, raising concerns that the information may have been fabricated to mislead authorities.
Political-criminal nexus under growing scrutiny
The Minister’s statement is among the most direct acknowledgements by a government official of the deep entanglement between Sri Lankan politics and organised crime. The mention of figures from the UNP, SJB, and SLPP reflects a bipartisan corruption problem, reinforcing public concerns that both ruling and opposition parties have used criminal networks for political gain, voter intimidation, and profiteering.
Although Wijepala stopped short of naming individuals, he confirmed that police investigations were active and that the findings would be made public in due course.
