Sri Lanka is a country enduring many challenges affecting its society economically. The Sri Lankan population faces significant suffering due to economic issues, alongside other pressing problems such as education, health, malnutrition, various diseases, insecurity, and also the existence of organised crime and drug trafficking.
The impact of organised crime and drug trafficking on people suffering from inequality is profoundly powerful. Historically, the high rates of homicides have instilled fear within society. Illegal drug trafficking has resurfaced, and organised crime is becoming increasingly active once again. It is observed that organisations involved in drug trafficking and murder have been able to secure bail and leave the country without hindrance.
This situation is believed to occur due to the weaknesses within the security forces, prompting social discourse about these issues. As a result, organised crime has been given a chance to flourish. Such conditions reflect the uncertainty surrounding public safety in Sri Lanka.
101 Shootings – 44 Killings
According to the police headquarters, 101 shooting incidents occurred in 2024. Of these incidents, 60 individuals were killed, and 44 were injured. To tackle the rising crime wave, an organised crime control committee has been established under the leadership of the current Inspector General of Police, consisting of 20 senior police officers.
The state intelligence unit is also represented in this committee. However, despite such measures, continuous organised crime and murders are still observed. This situation can be identified as a fundamental assault on the right of any citizen to live freely. Organised crime does not value human life beyond that of an animal.
Last week, a murder incident occurred in a house in the Kurunegala Wellawa area. It was revealed during investigations that a T56 firearm was used, and an experienced shooter carried out the act.
Additionally, information was reported regarding a similar shooting incident on December 28 in the Liyanagemulla coastal road area, where shooters attacked a businessman’s house, injuring both his father and two sons, resulting in one fatality. Another injured individual was hospitalised in critical condition.
The assailants had arrived in a white vehicle, which was abandoned five kilometres away from where the shooting took place and was seized by the police. However, no evidence has been found at the scene.
Is the rise in crime part of a conspiracy?
According to the State Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Ratgala, it has become challenging to identify the reasons behind the simultaneous increase in crime incidents.
He also indicates the suspicion that these occurrences might be orchestrated deliberately. Furthermore, he raises concerns about the possibility of political conspiracies behind the killings and suggests that a special investigation should be conducted.
The State Minister emphasises that it is time to establish a comprehensive plan focusing on organised crime activities.
However, the government cannot ignore the potential political conspiracies involved. Steps must now be taken to curb organised crime in the country. A new government indeed exists in Sri Lanka at this time.
Nonetheless, the police department is not new; it has a history spanning 158 years. The public has called for the police to be allowed to carry out their duties without political interference.
Responsibility for tackling organised crime and drug trafficking should be entrusted to the police. While measures to address this have recently been reflected within the police, the situation remains uncertain. The daily occurrences of shootings, kidnappings, and drug trafficking contribute to this uncertainty.
The Drug Trafficking History of Sri Lanka Spanning 50 Years
There is significant attention being paid to drug trafficking in Sri Lanka. The primary routes through which drugs enter the country are limited; mainly, they are transported by air and sea. Considered a lucrative venture, drug trafficking has been operational in Sri Lanka for nearly 50 years, with a substantial connection existing between organized crime and drug trafficking. This form of trafficking is seen as a major means of generating illegal income.
In recent times, security forces have seized large quantities of drugs. However, questions remain about whether traffickers receive appropriate penalties. Many continue to live comfortably despite the illegal activities they engage in. While these traffickers should ideally face imprisonment, the reality is quite different.
One of the main revelations regarding drug trafficking is that the masterminds behind it are primarily operating from foreign countries, directing the operations within Sri Lanka. Additionally, it has been primarily revealed that drugs are brought into the country via maritime routes.
Transporting Drugs via Fishermen
It has been revealed that fishermen are increasingly involved in transporting drugs to Sri Lanka. Transactions involving drugs have been taking place within international maritime boundaries, facilitated by Pakistani drug trafficking networks. In recent times, significant drug trafficking to Sri Lanka has been carried out by notorious traffickers named Wale Suda and Mohamed Siddik, who have been identified as individuals conducting direct dealings with international drug networks.
In 2023, the Navy, in collaboration with the Coast Guard, seized drugs worth over 26.7 million rupees. The Navy stated that during operations conducted within six months in 2024, drugs valued at over 13.21 million rupees were confiscated. Additionally, many individuals, including Wale Suda, considered influential figures in drug trafficking, are currently incarcerated. The society questions how such drug trafficking is occurring amidst their strict imprisonment.
Organised Crime Networks Trafficking from Prisons
The discovery of mobile phones operating with satellite technology, even in raids conducted within prisons, is a significant incident, indicating the strong presence of drugs and organized crime in Sri Lanka. Such high-tech devices have been found even in the highly secure Bussa maximum-security prison, which is presumed to be under the highest level of protection. This situation necessitates a renewed focus on prison security.
The question arises whether traffickers could operate in this manner without the cooperation of prison officials. This is a matter that requires an answer. Meanwhile, the current president has instructed authorities to take immediate measures to prevent illicit products, including drugs, from entering the country, as well as to stop fraud and irregularities in the airport vicinity and to prevent unauthorised individuals from leaving the country. The president issued these instructions during a meeting with heads of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Sri Lanka Customs, and the airport and airline services.
Is the Police Ineffective?
The Sri Lanka Police is a powerful security institution represented by many skilled officers. However, there are serious allegations that the police are under the influence of organised crime. As the government states, some police officers receive salaries from criminal organisations. Within such a scenario, questions arise daily about the escape of organised crime members from the country.
It is not forgotten how members of organised crime who had fled the country have been brought back to Sri Lanka in recent times. Notable examples include Makandure Madush, Kanjipani Imran, Harak Kata, and Kudu Salinda. Among them, Makandure Madush was shot and killed by the police.
However, Kanjipani Imran secretly fled abroad while on bail. Janith Madusanka, also known as Podilasi, was imprisoned for a long time without meeting bail conditions. However, Podilasi was freed on the 9th of last month after fulfilling his bail conditions.
Furthermore, he disappeared on the day he was released on bail. Therefore, it can be suspected that Podilasi clandestinely left the country. Kudu Salinda from Panadura was released on bail recently and was known to have gone to the Meegamuwa area after leaving the court. Until now, there has been no news about him.
The organised crime figures known as Rotumba Amila, Karandeniya Raju, and Karandeniya Sudda are not currently in the country. The government must take measures to bring back organised crime members who have taken advantage of the situation to flee abroad. Immediate action must be taken against the wave of murders and drug trafficking occurring in the country. For this purpose, the government must intervene urgently.
