The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, (Retd.) Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne, revealed that intelligence agencies have identified attempts to sabotage the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Speaking at a special media briefing on February 22, Seneviratne stated that intelligence agencies have identified individuals attempting to obstruct justice and that strict legal action will be taken against them. He assured that investigations into these attempts have already begun and that the government will not tolerate any interference in the judicial process.
This press conference, attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, and Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya, was convened to address the rising wave of organized crime across the country.
Threats Against Ganemulla Sanjeewa Were Previously Reported
During the briefing, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya disclosed that intelligence agencies had previously received information about a threat to the life of Ganemulla Sanjeewa, an alleged underworld figure who was killed at the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court on February 19.
When questioned about claims that intelligence agencies had prior knowledge of an assassination plot involving a woman who allegedly brought the firearm used in the killing, the IGP stated that police had no information specifically linking a woman to the crime. However, he confirmed that authorities were aware of a general threat to Ganemulla Sanjeewa’s life and had taken preventive measures, including requesting virtual hearings instead of physical court appearances.
Sri Lanka’s Criminal Underworld and Organized Gangs Identified
The Acting IGP revealed that 58 organized crime gangs with around 1,400 members have been identified across Sri Lanka. He stated that efforts are being made to track down and arrest criminals operating abroad, with Interpol issuing 199 red notices, 90 blue notices, and 4 yellow notices to locate and detain suspects involved in serious crimes.
He also noted that law enforcement has successfully extradited 19 criminals who had fled abroad, including a suspect involved in the OnmaxDT financial fraud who was recently brought back from Dubai.
Rising Crime Rates and Police Investigations
According to police data, Sri Lanka has recorded 17 shootings and 5 stabbings so far in 2025, totaling 22 serious violent incidents.
In 2024, a total of 75 shootings anad 18 stabbings were reported, amounting to 93 cases of violent crime.
The Acting IGP also revealed that some police and military personnel have been directly or indirectly involved in these crimes. Authorities have arrested 11 such officers, including two police officers, one active-duty army officer, seven retired army officers, and one air force officer.
Government Crackdown on Illegal Firearms
Weerasuriya provided details ona illegal firearms recovered by authorities since the new government took office. Police have seized 13 T-56 rifles, 15 revolvers, 21 pistols, 75 12-bore shotguns, 7 repeaters, and 805 other firearms during recent operations.
To encourage public cooperation, the police announced a cash reward of one million rupees for any individual providing information leading to the seizure of a T-56 rifle.
Acknowledgment of Crime Surge
The Acting IGP admitted that crime rates have risen in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He attributed this increase to criminals exploiting weaknesses in security measures, along with the widespread circulation of illegal weapons.
When asked about the arrest and subsequent deaths of suspects in the Ganemulla Sanjeewa case and the Kotahena murder, Weerasuriya stated that police officers have the right to personal security under the law. He emphasized that Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) remains in force, allowing authorities to conduct investigations under existing legal frameworks.
Concerns Over Police Conduct and Human Rights Violations
A journalist raised concerns regarding whether police officers adhered to Supreme Court guidelines when handling suspects taken out of custody to locate hidden weapons. The Acting IGP responded that investigations are ongoing and stated that it was too early to disclose specific details.
In response to the recent extrajudicial killings of suspects, Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) has launched an independent investigation. Commissioner Nimal Punchihewa confirmed that the Commission routinely investigates such cases and that a formal inquiry into the Kotahena shooting has already begun.
Defense Ministry’s Take on the Underworld Problem
Speaking at the press conference, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (Retd.) Air Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha attributed the rise of underworld crime to long-term political protection granted to criminal elements in the past.
He further revealed that the government haas ordered a special investigation into the illegal distribution of firearms under previous administrations.
The press conference concluded with officials affirming that the government remains committed to eliminating organized crime while ensuring that law enforcement operations adhere to legal and constitutional guidelines.
