In the wake of a surge in criminal incidents, including shootings, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has announced that a special program will be implemented to tackle underworld activities and drug trafficking, with the support of other institutions, particularly the tri-forces.
In the wake of a surge in criminal incidents, including shootings, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya has announced that a special program will be implemented to tackle underworld activities and drug trafficking, with the support of other institutions, particularly the tri-forces.
Speaking to the media after visiting the Mahanayake Theros in Kandy yesterday (17), IGP Weerasuriya said that a more systematic and sophisticated approach is being introduced to suppress criminal activities compared to existing measures.
“The increase in shootings and underworld crimes did not occur overnight. These incidents, including drug trafficking, were sometimes facilitated by political blessings and the involvement of negligent individuals within law enforcement. We are now addressing these issues with the full support of the tri-forces, the public, and the international community,” he said.
The IGP said that the law enforcement system operates without political influence and affirmed his commitment to ensuring that no crime is hidden or ignored. “As for the shootings, suspects have already been arrested, and we are moving forward with a more structured plan to prevent such incidents in the future,” he added.
So far this year, Sri Lanka has witnessed more than 80 shooting incidents, resulting in 44 deaths. Last week alone, at least five shootings or attempted shootings were reported, including the high-profile killing of a former Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha member.
