Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police in charge of Sri Lanka’s Western Province, Sanjeewa Medawatta, says intensified operations against organized crime and drug trafficking have significantly disrupted criminal networks in the province.
Speaking on recent developments, SDIG Medawatta highlighted major police operations, including the seizure of approximately 470 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE. Authorities are also continuing efforts to extradite wanted Sri Lankan criminals believed to be operating from overseas.
According to the Senior DIG, the sustained crackdown by the police and security forces has placed considerable pressure on organized criminal groups, resulting in internal disputes and clashes among rival factions.
He said authorities have observed a shift in the methods used by some criminal groups, with hand grenades increasingly being used in place of firearms in recent incidents involving gang violence.
SDIG Medawatta stressed that the violence appears to be linked primarily to conflicts and disputes within criminal networks rather than deliberate attacks targeting the general public.
Referring to recent incidents, including the fatal attack in Dehiwala, he said police have identified the operational patterns being used by organized criminal groups.
He further said coordinated operations involving the Sri Lanka Police, Special Task Force (STF), and the tri-forces are currently underway to dismantle these networks and prevent further attacks.
The Senior DIG emphasized that authorities would maintain zero tolerance toward organized crime and drug-related offenses, assuring the public that security forces are taking all necessary measures to bring the situation under control as quickly as possible.
He also urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and provide any information that could assist ongoing investigations and efforts to combat organized crime.
