Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says all arrangements have been made to complete 9,000 delayed forensic reports within this month and submit them to court.

He made the statement during an inspection tour of the Pallansena Prison, where he also held discussions with inmates on prevailing issues.

The Minister noted that similar visits will be carried out at other prisons across the island to review conditions and address concerns.

Wijepala said discussions focused on ensuring the safety of inmates across Sri Lanka’s 33 prisons, as well as safeguarding prison officers. 

He revealed that a new emergency response committee is being established at Pallansena, comprising District and Divisional Secretaries, Fire Brigade officers, Tri‑forces, STF, Deputy Inspector General of Police, and the Commissioner General of Prisons.

“The main objective is to protect the lives of inmates,” he stressed, acknowledging the severe overcrowding in prisons. 

He added that the Minister of Justice has already prepared a special plan to reduce inmate numbers. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that the government is considering granting a further one‑year service extension to Police officers who have reached the age of 60 and maintained good conduct.

Responding to a question raised by the Opposition on vacancies in the Police Department, the Minister acknowledged the shortage of human resources and outlined measures being taken to strengthen the force.

He noted that 10,000 members of the Civil Security Department have been attached to the Police Service, with 6,000 already on duty. In addition, interviews are underway to recruit new officers, while 200 senior inspectors are currently undergoing training at the Police Training College.

A gazette has been issued to facilitate further recruitment, including for the Police Special Task Force (STF). The Minister said the government intends to recruit 7,800 officers within this year to ease the burden on lower‑ranked officers and improve operational capacity.

Wijepala emphasized that all necessary steps are being taken to manage the shortage and ensure the Police Department can meet its responsibilities effectively. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says more than 1,000 Police officers have been removed from service over various wrongdoings, it was reported. 

The Minister said a portion of those dismissed were found guilty of charges including involvement in drug trafficking and maintaining links with members of criminal gangs.

Others were removed after being found guilty of dereliction of duty and accepting bribes, he said. 

Minister Wijepala further noted that swift investigations are being carried out into complaints lodged against Police officers. (Newswire)

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The Supreme Court has granted permission to proceed with an appeal challenging the eligibility of Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala to hold a parliamentary seat.

According to reports, the order was issued after considering a petition filed by former General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Renuka Perera.

The petition argues that Wijepala, though elected as a Member of Parliament, continues to function as Chief of Staff to the President, a role that disqualifies him from serving as an MP under constitutional provisions.

The case will now proceed to a full hearing, with the Supreme Court set to determine whether Wijepala can legally retain his parliamentary position while holding the executive office. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala disclosed in Parliament today (10) that sufficient evidence has been collected to prove that former State Intelligence Service Chief, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, had actively conspired in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Addressing the Parliament, Minister Wijepala said that Sallay had prior knowledge of the planned terrorist attacks as well as related violent extremist activities.

“Three-weeks prior to the attacks, Sallay had used four Muslim individuals to collect key information, including the number of people attending mass at a church in Negombo. The main individual among the four has been identified by witnesses with the CID as an ISIS extremist and remains reported missing after the Easter attacks. There is evidence suggesting that Sallay had met the informant who had tipped off the Army intelligence service of the attacks, at a hotel in Colombo,” he said. 

Minister Wijepala further said that Sallay had taken steps to prevent the disclosure of critical information that could have exposed shocking details surrounding the attacks.

He went on to note that recent reports claiming of inhumane treatment were false, revealing that Sallay had been provided with all necessary arrangements afforded to a primary suspect, including consultations with his lawyers. 

“No complaints were made to the magistrate on inhumane treatment when the magistrate visited Sallay to consider his health and well being. Sallay has also not made any complaints to other authorities related to inhumane treatment,” he said. 

The Public Security Minister also disclosed that Sallay has so far refused to provide investigators with the passwords to his laptop and mobile phone, acting in a manner to hinder investigations. 

Minister Wijepala added that the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks will not be halted by any protests or Satyagraha. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament today that statements have been recorded from 21 individuals in connection with the USD 2.5 million cyber theft at the Treasury.

He said a complaint has been filed with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) regarding the incident, and that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway.

“An investigation is underway into the incident. If there are persons responsible for the money transfer to a third party, they will be brought before the law. There is no argument on this,” the Minister stated.

Pointing out that this is not the first financial misappropriation to occur in Sri Lanka, Wijepala stressed that the government will take the necessary legal action in this regard. (Newswire)

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Several arrests have been made in connection with three separate assault incidents reported in estates in different parts of Sri Lanka, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today (07).

Addressing Parliament, Minister Wijepala said on April 21, in the Neelagamam Division in Pelmadulla, 11 security officials had allegedly assaulted villagers during a dispute over an illegal construction. 

He said the security officers have been arrested and were produced in court, adding that the Police have taken necessary actions in this regard.   

Last night (06), at the Mokawatte Estate, the estate manager allegedly slapped his meals caretaker. He was arrested at 09.00 am today and is scheduled to be produced in court, he further revealed. 

Minister Wijepala went on to say that early this morning at 12.30 am at Delta Estate, Udupussellawa, Maskeliya, Nuwara Eliya, the deputy manager was arrested for allegedly assaulting a worker. 

The minister said that the arrested deputy estate manager too will be produced in court today.

“There is no attempt to brush away any such incidents. The law will be implemented equally to all,” Minister Wijepala stressed.

He made the remarks in response to questions raised by Opposition MPs Mano Ganesan and Jeevan Thondaman, who highlighted the continuous assaults on upcountry Tamils in various parts of Sri Lanka. 

Responding to Minister Wijepala’s briefing, MP Ganesan urged the minister and the government to convene a discussion to resolve the long‑standing issue. (Newswire)

NeelaGamam estate
Management of Kahawatte Plantations, Deployed Helmeted, Black-Clad Hooligans Allegedly Carring Out a merciless Brutal Attack on the marginalized Workers and breaking down the Makeshift dwelling of homeless Workers in RatnaPura district. #Mano_Ganesan… pic.twitter.com/5SteoRuBOd

— Mano Ganesan (@ManoGanesan) May 1, 2026

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Opposition MP Harsha de Silva has criticized the Sri Lanka Police’s emergency hotline system, drawing comparisons with the Suwa Seriya 1990 free ambulance service. 

In a post on ‘X’, he noted that Suwa Seriya has managed roughly 5,000 calls per day for over seven years, more than the 4,500 calls the police claim to handle, and that 98.9% of those calls are answered on the first ring. 

He further highlighted Suwa Seriya’s average nationwide response time of 13 minutes, compared to what he described as the police’s 180-minute delay. 

Harsha de Silva credited Suwa Seriya’s efficiency to its digital systems, strict protocols, and above all, the attitude of its staff, adding, “We will teach you how to do it if you are humble enough to learn”.

His remarks came in response to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala’s recent admission that he receives daily complaints about delays in responses to 119 calls. 

Wijepala revealed that he personally contacted the 118 National Help Desk hotline after a complainant alleged that no action had been taken even three hours after reporting an incident to 119. 

The Minister said he advised the complainant to formally report the delay, acknowledging widespread public frustration with the system. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says that Police units have been permitted to conduct raids in any Police Division, if the Police in that area are not taking the necessary action.

Addressing a meeting, Minister Wijepala said that permission has been granted to the Police Special Task Force (STF) and, in some instances, the Colombo Police Division, to conduct raids beyond their jurisdictions. 

“If the OIC in charge of a particular area has failed to act despite getting information, then we have permitted the STF and, in some instances, the Colombo Police Division, to conduct raids in other Police Divisions. Such raids are continuing. There are no obstacles,” he said. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the Police are now allowed to conduct raids in any Police Division at any time. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says Sri Lanka will grant free one-month visas to a group rescued from Iranian vessels, allowing them to remain in Sri Lanka under humanitarian protection, Indian media, The Hindu, reported. 

According to the report, speaking on the matter on Sunday (08), Minister Ananda Wijepala said similar decisions could be taken in the future if necessary, stressing that such measures are not intended to support or harm any particular party.

“They will be granted one month gratis visas,” Wijepala told reporters. “We will not be taking any sides but will act on a humanitarian basis in terms of international law,” he stressed.

There are 32 who had survived the U.S. submarine attack on the sunk ‘IRIS Dena’ frigate. Another 186 were evacuated from ‘IRIS Bushehr’.

Out of the 32 from the sunk frigate, only 10 remain under treatment at Karapitiya, the national hospital at Galle, the southern port city. The 22 have been discharged from the hospital.

They were admitted on Wednesday (04) after the ship had been sunk, consequent to being torpedoed by a U.S. submarine.

Sri Lanka is yet to make a decision on their repatriation. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said Sri Lanka would strictly adhere to the relevant international laws to deal with the situation. (Newswire/ The Hindu)

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The Sri Lanka Police Service is currently grappling with a critical shortage of nearly 40,000 personnel, prompting immediate government intervention to address the deficit through a comprehensive recruitment drive and strategic reforms.

According to News1st, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala stated that recruitment efforts have already been initiated to tackle this challenge. 

Speaking on the matter, he revealed that steps are being taken to absorb 10,000 personnel from the Civil Security Department into the police service, while an additional 10,000 fresh recruits will be enlisted within this year.

The Minister emphasized that these measures are part of a broader series of strategic changes aimed at strengthening the police service. 

Beyond addressing numerical shortages, he stressed that improving efficiency and enhancing the quality of officers remains the primary objective.

According to Wijepala, the government is focused on improving facilities available to officers, including both physical infrastructure and various efficiency-boosting measures. 

He noted that training programmes for police officers have already been expanded, while efforts are underway to address promotion-related issues. Promotions based on existing vacancies are expected to be provided this year. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala stated that some information uncovered during investigations indicates that Pulasthini Mahendran, aka Sarah Jasmine, linked to the 2019 Easter attacks, is not dead.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala also revealed that there was no indication that Sarah Jasmine was currently in India. 

The minister further said that if necessary, the government will work towards obtaining a warrant for Sarah Jasmine. 

“Investigations are continuing. Based on the collected information, legal action has been initiated regarding the Easter Attacks. The new government is conducting a probe to ascertain if a conspiracy was behind the attacks. It is an in-depth investigation, and is continuing,” Minister Wijepala said, adding that he will not disclose some information in Parliament as it will hinder investigations. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala made the remarks in response to questions raised by opposition MP Mujibur Rahman regarding Sarah Jasmine, who was presumed killed in the suicide bomb attack in Sainthamaruthu days after the 2019 Easter attacks. (Newswire)

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Minister Ananda Wijepala has warned individuals to refrain from politicizing and creating racial or communal tensions using the recent incident in Trincomalee, involving the installation of a Buddha Statue. 

Addressing Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said that some people were attempting to create racial and communal tensions using this issue, assuring that the NPP government will never allow any citizen of this nation to face injustice.

“We will not allow anyone to create racial and communal tensions in the country. The government has already intervened in the matter and taken necessary steps, and the area is peaceful,” he added. 

Providing further information on the matter, Minister Wijepala said that a Police B report has been submitted to the Court, after which the Court had issued a notice fixing the next hearing for November 25.

“The court has also instructed that no further developments are allowed at the site until the next hearing. Following a discussion, all involved parties have consented to this,” he added. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala made the remarks in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the recent tense situation that was reported in Trincomalee.

The tense situation arose after a group of monks had attempted to place a statue of the Lord Buddha at a Dhamma school at a Buddhist temple in the area. 

A video circulated on social media showed a Buddhist monk claiming that the site is a religious heritage location. However, it was also reported that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Conservation Department, and complaints had been filed regarding unauthorized activity on the premises. 

According to the Police, the land is subject to a court order prohibiting any development. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says the Police have uncovered links to certain politicians following the arrest of Ishara Sewwandi, the chief suspect in the murder of underworld figure ‘Ganemulla Sanjeewa’ in February this year. 

The minister said that a deep investigation into those connections is necessary, and that the Police Department is actively pursuing this. 

Minister Wijepala further said that information related to the underworld has been revealed through the individuals linked to underworld activities who were arrested in Indonesia recently. 

He revealed that since August 30, investigations have led to the recovery of seven T-56 rifles, one T-81 weapon, six pistols, nine revolvers, two other firearms, and 909 rounds of ammunition. 

The Minister of Public Security also noted that INTERPOL red notices have been issued to 80 wanted suspects residing overseas. 

Minister Wijepala added that measures are being taken to bring them back to Sri Lanka and that discussions are underway on a diplomatic level.

Minister Ananda Wijepala made the remarks in Parliament today while responding to various comments made regarding the Police Department. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala today clarified that a tense situation was reported in Trincomalee yesterday over the placing of a Buddha Statue at a Dhamma School in a Buddhist Temple in the area.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said the statue was immediately removed by the Police following the tense situation.

He further said that, however, steps have been taken to place the statue at the Dhamma school today, and that special police protection would be provided for the safety of the statue. 

“The statue was removed yesterday after the Police had received information on possible vandalism. The tense situation had arisen due to the Buddha statue. We have issued a directive to the Police to place the statue at the Dhamma school today. A special security plan will also be implemented from today for the safety of the statue,” he said.

Minister Wijepala further clarified that the Department of Coast Conservation had filed a complaint with regard to a restaurant operating in the area, claiming that it was illegal.

He said the Police are taking the necessary measures to initiate legal action in this regard. “We can only act in this regard based on the court’s directive,” he added.

Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, who previously praised the minister for removing the statue, slammed the latter for backtracking on his actions, using vandalism as a reason. 

“A major U-turn by the Public Security Minister this morning. He has walked back his earlier stance and now says the illegal temple will receive police protection, claiming the statue was removed only to prevent vandalism. It’s an embarrassing climbdown, and it’s obvious the minister and the government have given in to nationalist pressure,” he said, in a post on ‘X’. 

Slamming the minister’s reference to vandalism, MP Shanakiyan pointed out that the Tamil Community has never destroyed religious shrines, not even during a 30-year war.

“And let’s be honest. Tamil people have never destroyed religious shrines, not even during a 30-year war. Using “vandalism” as an excuse is not just unconvincing, it’s an insult to a community that has always respected places of worship,” he added. 

A video circulated on social media shows a Buddhist monk stating that the site is a religious heritage location. However, it was also reported that the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Conservation Department, and complaints had been filed regarding unauthorized activity on the premises.

According to the Police, the land is subject to a court order prohibiting any development. A group had reportedly brought a Buddha statue to the site, which was taken to the police station, after a tense situation. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says 1947 weapons have been seized in 2025 alone, during raids conducted to tackle underworld and drug activities in Sri Lanka. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said that weapons are a key part of the drug and underworld networks. 

He further said shooting incidents are being reported across the country as certain underworld gangs are still in possession of weapons. 

Minister Wijepala also revealed that 78 T-56 firearms had been given to underworld gangs from a military camp previously, of which 36 have already been seized by the authorities. 

“The government will eradicate the underworld and drug menace in the country. We have introduced a systematic plan for this purpose,” he added. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says information has been received on the suspects involved in the murder of the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, who was shot dead yesterday.

Minister Wijepala said that soon after the shooting incident, directives were issued to the IGP and the CID to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Minister Wijepala further said that 04 Police teams were deployed to investigate, after which information has now been received on the suspects.

He said that all suspects involved in the murder will be arrested within the next 02 to 03 days.

The Minister of Public Security made the revelation while addressing the Parliament of Sri Lanka today. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament today that the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, who was shot dead today, was involved with the underworld. 

Wijepala assured that there is no threat to national security, despite shooting incidents in the recent past, including the murder of Wickramasekara.

There is an evident clash between organized crime groups in the country who are also in possession of weapons, the Public Security Minister said, adding that today’s shooting was also one such incident. 

He further said that despite Lasantha Wickramasekara being elected as a public representative, he was an underworld figure with six court cases against him. 

“02 cases have been filed at the Matara High Court, 02 cases at the Kurunegala High Court, and 02 at the Galle High Court. He is someone under a suspended prison sentence. He is linked to underworld activities,” the minister said. 

Minister Wijepala further revealed that investigations into the underworld figures recently arrested in Indonesia have found that Lasantha Wickramasekara was in possession of several weapons. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala emphasized that even though he is a politician and public representative elected via the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), he is an underworld figure. 

The Minister, however, said that the government does not approve of the death of a criminal, as the government is one that recgonizes the value of human life. 

The Minister of Public Security said that a comprehensive investigation is underway into the shooting incident. 

Watch: https://www.facebook.com/reel/791678930451087 (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says the government is open to considering requests made by former Presidents concerning security. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Wijepala said the government is committed to ensuring the safety of former presidents, despite the introduction of the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act.

“Several privileges afforded to former presidents were removed after the passage of the Act. Several former presidents have already handed over certain benefits received by them, such as houses and vehicles,” he said. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala further explained that, however, the security factor does not fall under the Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Act.

“As such, some former presidents have returned the vehicles used for their security. Even though some privileges have been removed under the act, the government is committed to ensuring their security. If required, they can make a request pertaining to security, including vehicles. The government is prepared to consider such requests,” the minister said. (Newswire)

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Over 200 kilos each of heroin and ICE narcotics have been seized in Tangalle today, the Police said. 

Speaking to Newswire, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that the narcotics were recovered from three lorries seized in the area. 

He further said that 05 revolvers and 01 T-56 firearm were also recovered from the lorries. 

The Police Spokesman added that one suspect has been arrested so far.  

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that over 600 kilos of narcotics were seized in Tangalle today. 

Addressing the media today, he said that the seized narcotics include approximately 245 kilos of heroin and 380 kilos of ICE.

Minister Ananda Wijepala further said that investigations are underway into the incidents. 

The first lorry was found in the premises of a house in the Seenimodara area in Tangalle, in which two bodies were recovered this morning.

The bodies were found alongside a stock of narcotics, suspected to be ICE, after one person had died in hospital due to alleged poisoning.

Soon after, a second lorry was found near a service station in Tangalle, from which weapons and narcotics, including ICE and heroin, were found.

Police, thereafter, found a third lorry also near the house in Seenimodara from which narcotics consisting of ICE and heroin had been found. (Newswire)

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