President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to take decisive action to eliminate underworld activities in Sri Lanka, stating that the government will implement comprehensive measures to dismantle criminal networks operating within the country.
Speaking at the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Security of the 10th Parliament, held on February 20, the President highlighted recent investigations that have exposed how elements of the underworld have infiltrated certain official institutions responsible for protecting the public. He stressed that this growing influence of organized crime within state institutions poses a significant threat to national security and public trust. He assured that the government is committed to completely eradicating the underworld in the near future and emphasized that no institution should provide sanctuary to criminals.
The government’s renewed focus on combating underworld crime follows a series of high-profile incidents where organized criminal networks were found to be operating with the alleged support of certain officials. Security authorities have already begun investigations into possible links between public sector employees and criminal organizations, with a promise of stern legal action against those found guilty. The administration is expected to introduce new legal and operational frameworks to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to dismantle organized crime groups. This may include increased surveillance, stricter asset confiscation laws targeting criminal wealth, and enhanced intelligence-sharing among national security agencies.
In addition to tackling underworld crime, Minister of Justice and National Integration, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, announced a new initiative aimed at bolstering security within Sri Lanka’s court complexes. Following the recent assassination of an organized crime suspect inside the Hulftsdorp Court complex, where a gunman disguised as a lawyer carried out the killing, authorities are now prioritizing tightened security measures in judicial institutions.
Nanayakkara revealed that a formal security proposal has been developed to safeguard legal professionals, court staff, and the general public. Planned measures include the screening of all individuals entering court premises, including lawyers, witnesses, and litigants. The government also plans to deploy modern technology, such as facial recognition and AI-driven security monitoring, along with an increased presence of armed security personnel at high-risk court complexes. He stated that every necessary step is being taken to ensure that courts remain secure and free from the influence of criminal elements and emphasized that the tragic incident at Hulftsdorp highlights the need for immediate reforms.
These latest moves underscore the government’s broader commitment to restoring law and order, preventing organized crime from infiltrating key institutions, and reassuring the public that Sri Lanka remains committed to justice and security. With President Dissanayake’s administration taking a strong stance against the underworld, the coming months will likely see intensified crackdowns, legal reforms, and increased security operations aimed at dismantling the country’s most dangerous criminal networks.
