New courts to speed up gang trials

Speaking to the media, Minister Wijepala said the decision is in response to mounting concerns over the substantial public funds spent on detaining and securing organized crime suspects during prolonged legal proceedings.

"Legal action will remain fully within the existing legal framework, but the introduction of special courts is essential to speed up justice in these cases," he said.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya, also addressing the briefing, emphasized the urgent need for dedicated legislation to tackle complex organized crime networks.

“Normal law cannot handle these cases. We need a dedicated legal framework,” the IGP said, adding that the Sri Lanka Police and the Ministry of Justice are currently drafting special laws to ensure more effective prosecutions.

Their remarks follow the successful conclusion of an international operation in Jakarta, Indonesia, where six high-profile Sri Lankan underworld figures were arrested. The week-long covert operation was conducted jointly by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Indonesian law enforcement.

Those arrested include notorious figures Kehelbaddara Padme, Commando Salinda, Panadura Nilanga, Thembili Lahiru, Backhoe Saman, and his wife.

Minister Wijepala said that arrangements are underway to repatriate the suspects to Sri Lanka in the coming days, after which legal proceedings will commence under tightened security and oversight.