Nearly 1,000 police officers dismissed over alleged criminal links

By The Pulseline News Desk

Nearly 1,000 police officers with alleged links to underworld figures, drug traffickers, and criminal networks have been dismissed from the Sri Lanka Police in recent years, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala has said.

The Minister has told the media that intelligence units had been tasked with identifying police personnel suspected of maintaining connections with organised crime groups, drug traffickers, smugglers, and dealers in stolen property.

He has noted that intelligence gathered through these operations had led to disciplinary action against implicated officers and prompted the transfer of all personnel attached to certain police stations, including the Kalpitiya Police Station, in recent days.

According to the Minister, the presence of corrupt officers within the police force has hindered efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking, making it necessary to strengthen internal oversight and remove those found to be associated with criminal elements.

The dismissals come as the government continues to intensify its campaign against organised crime and the illegal drug trade, which authorities say have been sustained in part by networks operating across different sectors. In recent months, law enforcement agencies have expanded intelligence-led operations targeting underworld groups, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and other forms of organised criminal activity.

Successive governments have faced criticism over allegations of collusion between certain law enforcement officers and criminal organisations. Such allegations have periodically surfaced following high-profile crimes, drug seizures, and investigations into underworld activities, prompting repeated calls for stronger internal accountability within the police service.

The latest measures form part of broader efforts to restore public confidence in the police force by strengthening disciplinary mechanisms and ensuring that officers entrusted with enforcing the law are free from criminal influence. Authorities have indicated that intelligence-led screening and monitoring of police personnel will continue as part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving professionalism and integrity within the service.