A Bill aimed at curbing organised crime will be presented to the Parliament within the course of next month (January 2026), according to the Public Security Ministry.
Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ananda Wijepala said: “We will be presenting a Bill aimed at curbing organised crime to the Parliament in January. It is expected to introduce tougher penalties and longer prison terms for organised crimes through this Legislation.”
He added that criminals involved in drug trafficking and other organised criminal activities are currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act as amended, which allows for extended detention for questioning. The new Bill, he said, would provide specific legal provisions to permit the extended detention of such suspects and reinforce enforcement mechanisms targeting organised crime, without relying on laws enacted for other purposes.
Sri Lanka has seen a sharp rise in organised criminal activities in recent months, particularly linked to the illegal drug trade. Police have reported an increase in targeted shootings, contract killings, and gang-related violence in several parts of the country including the Western and Southern Provinces. Many of these crimes are believed to be connected to disputes within drug networks and efforts to control trafficking routes and distribution hubs.
However, there are various forms of gaps in the existing legal provisions that make it difficult to deal effectively with organised crime. Challenges include limitations in prosecuting individuals who operate from outside the country, delays in extradition processes, and difficulties in tracing and confiscating assets acquired through criminal activities.