Sri Lankan Politicians Linked to 10 Major Crime Syndicates, Says Public Security Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, revealed alarming connections between prominent political figures and ten major organized crime syndicates operating in Sri Lanka.

The revelations come amid a broader government crackdown on drug trafficking, contract killings, and transnational criminal networks.

The Minister made this statement while addressing the House on the government’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime

Minister Wijepala stated that intelligence reports have confirmed direct political interference in ongoing criminal investigations, with several current and former politicians — including members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and United National Party (UNP) — allegedly maintaining ties with underworld groups.

“This country has long been influenced by criminal elements. We now have evidence of direct political involvement in these networks,” the Minister said. “I am prepared to disclose the names of those involved once police investigations are complete.”

The Minister condemned the ongoing wave of shootings between rival gangs, which have resulted in multiple fatalities.

Since the current administration took office, over 3,000 suspects have been arrested, and 1,278 illegal firearms seized.

The government is drafting special legislation to combat organized crime and has established a Central Criminal Investigation Division to ease the burden on the existing Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

All police stations are being linked to a centralized data system to enable real-time crime tracking and analysis.

New regional crime divisions are being set up to enhance investigative capacity across all provinces.

Minister Wijepala also disclosed that many large-scale drug traffickers are operating from abroad. Sri Lanka has issued 70 Red Notices through Interpol and has already extradited 11 high-profile suspects through diplomatic negotiations.

The Minister detailed several chilling incidents:

1. Plot to Assassinate Former IGP: Authorities have launched an investigation into an alleged assassination plot targeting the currently suspended Inspector General of Police, Deshbandu Tennakoon. According to intelligence reports, the plot was orchestrated by notorious underworld figure Kanjipani Imran, who is believed to be operating from Dubai.

The alleged plan involved issuing a contract killing order to a remand prisoner identified as V. Saman Kumara, also known as "I.D.H. Sudda," currently held at the Boossa Prison. The order was reportedly communicated via a phone call, which has since been traced and analyzed by investigators.

Telecommunication analysis reports related to the phone number used in the call have been obtained, and the matter has been formally reported to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court under case number B39554/25. The court has granted permission to verify the presence of the suspect within Boossa Prison and to record statements as part of the ongoing investigation.

2. Death Threat to Prime Minister: A threatening email sent to the Prime Minister on May 15 was traced to IP addresses in Germany and the Netherlands. Investigations are ongoing with international law enforcement.

3. Sniper Plot Against Opposition Leader: A tip-off received in August 2023 alleged a planned sniper attack on Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa by associates of underworld leader "Loku Patti." The claim was later found to be baseless and possibly intended to mislead authorities.