Sri Lanka’s Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has accused former rulers of fueling crime by maintaining close ties with underworld figures. He pledged that the current government, free from such affiliations, is taking swift measures to crush crime, drugs, and strengthen workers’ rights.
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe has claimed that the sharp rise in crime across the country can be traced to direct links between former rulers and criminal networks. Speaking at an awareness program at the Hatton District Labour Office on October 1, the minister said the present administration is moving decisively to dismantle criminal influence and restore law and order.
The minister stressed that for years the political elite maintained secret ties with criminal gangs, emboldening drug trafficking and violent crime. He noted that one of the most significant differences under the current leadership is the absence of such connections, which allows the government to confront crime without interference or protectionism. He assured that steps are underway to end the grip of criminal syndicates and drug cartels once and for all.
Addressing another pressing issue, Jayasinghe highlighted ongoing discussions with estate companies and trade unions about wage hikes for estate workers. He confirmed that several rounds of negotiations have already been held and expressed confidence that an agreement would soon be reached. The government’s commitment, he said, is to ensure that daily wages are increased fairly, reflecting the contributions of estate labourers who form a vital part of the economy.
The event, which focused on raising awareness about the Shrama Vasana Fund for public and private employees, was attended by Nuwara Eliya District MP Krishnan Kalaichelvi, Shrama Vasana Fund General Manager D.R. Jayalath, and other senior officials.
The deputy minister’s strong remarks underscore the government’s determination to separate politics from organized crime while pushing forward reforms that improve workers’ lives. By targeting both lawlessness and labour inequities, the administration signals a dual strategy: cleansing the state of criminal influence and ensuring economic justice for its working population.
