Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 1,093 foreign nationals in 2026 in connection with 27 cybercrime incidents, marking a sharp escalation in enforcement against online financial scams.

According to Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler, by comparison, in 2025, police arrested 26 foreigners linked to two incidents, while in 2024, 573 foreigners were arrested in relation to 26 incidents.

The crackdown follows intensified raids, arrests, and public awareness campaigns aimed at curtailing scams conducted through social media platforms.

ASP Wootler said both locals and foreigners have fallen victim to these scams, prompting authorities to step up measures, including deporting suspects. 

He emphasized that the government is determined to halt financial crimes that exploit social media and online platforms.

The Police Spokesman also urged the public to exercise caution when renting houses, hotels, or business premises to foreign nationals. 

He advised landlords to verify the identities of foreign tenants by checking their business registrations and informing the nearest police station. (Newswire)

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Eight (08) suspects have been identified in connection with the abduction, assault, and murder of a Chinese national following the recent clash at Colombo Port City, the Police said. 

According to the Police Spokesman, ASP F.U. Wootler, three of the suspects fled the country soon after the incident, while three others remain in Sri Lanka and are evading arrest. Overseas travel bans have been imposed against them. 

Two suspects were arrested at the Katunayake Airport, and legal proceedings have already been initiated. The case has been fixed for August 6, during which an identification parade will be held.

ASP Wootler further noted that the investigation has been assisted by the Chinese Embassy and the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). 

He urged the public to remain vigilant when renting houses, hotels, or commercial properties to foreign nationals and to inform their local police stations of any suspicious activity.

ASP Wootler disclosed the information to the media in connection with the incident where the body of a Chinese national reported missing after a clash between two groups at Colombo Port City was discovered in Eheliyagoda on July 23.

The deceased had been abducted along with two others; however, the other two were abandoned with injuries and admitted to hospital. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested 628 foreign nationals across the country since January 1, 2026, for engaging in illegal activities ranging from immigration violations to cybercrimes, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said.

Addressing the media yesterday (05), ASP Wootler said that the suspects, hailing from India, Vietnam, China, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Cambodia, were apprehended in operations conducted in Cinnamon Gardens, Mount Lavinia, Poddala, Chilaw, and Koswatte.

ASP Wootler noted that many of the arrested individuals had been operating from rented houses, apartments, and office spaces, warning that property owners could also face legal consequences if premises are used for unlawful purposes.

“We urge owners of houses, apartments, and office spaces to keep the nearest Police Station informed when renting to foreign nationals, providing details regarding the visitors,” he said. 

“If not checked, some foreign nationals are found to be engaging in illegal activities from the rented spaces, and this could lead to the owner of the premises also being identified as complicit in the case,” he warned.

He further requested that the public exercise caution when renting to foreign nationals, stressing that vigilance is essential to curb illegal activity and protect landlords from liability. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have rejected claims circulating on social media and certain websites that a person was preparing to carry out a series of bomb attacks in Colombo and other crowded areas.

Police Media Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler said the reports were “completely false” and confirmed that no such incident had been reported.

His comments come after media reports emerged that an associate of organized crime gang leader Kanjipani Imran had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Acknowledging that such a figure had been arrested during a raid in Ja Ela yesterday, ASP Wootler refuted reports claiming he was preparing to carry out a series of bomb attacks.  

ASP Wootler further said that the suspect remains in custody with further investigations underway. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has launched strict disciplinary action against the Officer‑in‑Charge of the Division involved in hosting an alleged birthday celebration for Ishara Sewwandi, the prime suspect in the murder of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa. 

Addressing the media, Police Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler said the DIG in charge of the Western Province personally visited the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and launched an investigation with a team headed by senior Police officers. 

He further said that steps have been taken to initiate strict disciplinary action against the CID OIC involved in the incident. 

Stating that Police officers are government officers and cannot maintain any links with criminals, ASP Wootler urged Police officers to uphold their values and responsibilities while carrying out their duties.” (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police says a letter has been sent to the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) requesting necessary action against the Hiru Media Network for continuously broadcasting unverified and misleading news reports.

Speaking to Newswire, Police Media Spokesman, ASP F.U. Wootler, said that the TRC was informed of the findings revealed during the investigation into the matter.

Accordingly, the TRC, as the proper authority for issuing broadcasting licenses, has been requested through the letter to take appropriate future measures. 

The move comes amid a series of public clashes between the government and Hiru Media Network, with authorities repeatedly accusing the broadcaster of airing unverified and misleading reports. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police says children left vulnerable and without guardians due to Cyclone Ditwah have drawn public attention, with various individuals making requests to take them into their care and support their future livelihoods. 

Issuing a statement, the Police Department said reports indicate that some have been contacting media outlets and sharing phone numbers, seeking information about these children, which has now come under police observation.

Authorities warn that certain unidentified persons making such inquiries may be attempting to exploit the situation, posing risks of illegal activities under the guise of guardianship. 

Concerns have also been raised about possible abuse, exploitation, forced labour, and other forms of cruelty targeting these vulnerable children.

The Police emphasized that any individual wishing to provide proper guardianship or care must do so through the legal framework of Sri Lanka’s child protection system, under the supervision of the National Child Protection Authority.  

Accordingly, the Police have urged the public not to respond to random phone numbers circulated via media, but instead to report any interest in supporting affected children to the National Child Protection Authority or the Women and Children’s Bureau. (Newswire)

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Police Media Spokesman ASP F. U. Wootler warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who circulate false and unethical news at this moment, when the entire nation is united in facing the disaster situation.

He noted that several complaints have already been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the circulation of news that causes fear and unrest among the public, and that the Computer Crimes Division has commenced investigations into these complaints.

ASP Wootler made these remarks while addressing a media briefing held today (01) at the Tri-Forces Headquarters.

He further pointed out that, while the government is committed to continuously maintaining services and supplies for the safety and well-being of the people in the post-disaster period, certain individuals have shown a tendency to circulate unverified and false news through social media.

Issuing and publishing statements that cause fear and unrest among the public is a serious wrongdoing, and the circulation of false information is a punishable offense, the Police Spokesman emphasized.

Therefore, on behalf of the Police Department, he appealed to the public not to circulate false and unethical news during this disaster situation, when the nation must stand together.

He also noted that reports of certain crimes have been received from affected areas, including relief centers. In accordance with the Penal Code of Sri Lanka, strict legal action will be taken against anyone committing offenses such as rape, unlawful entry, theft, and robbery. He stressed that the government expects the honorable contribution of all citizens to the unified operation being carried out primarily for the welfare of disaster victims.

ASP Wootler further stated that the Police Department has taken several important and urgent measures to ensure the safety of foreign nationals currently in Sri Lanka. Tourists facing any issues may contact the Director of the Tourist Police Division via 0718591894, 0112421070, or the hotline 1912, or reach the Airport Tourist OIC at 0718596057 and the Airport Duty OIC at 0718591640.

Additionally, under the guidance of the Inspector General of Police, a special operations room functioning 24 hours has been established at Police Headquarters. The public may contact 0718595884, 0718595883, 0718595882, 0718595881, or 0718595880 to report any issues or concerns related to disaster-affected individuals. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has not received any diplomatic or security-level confirmation regarding the arrests of two suspects, ‘Kelehelbaddara Padme’ and ‘Commando Salintha’, in Malaysia, Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said. 

Addressing a special media briefing held today (14), ASP Wootler confirmed that no such information has been received on the two suspects, believed to be members of organized crime groups operating from overseas.

According to the Police Spokesperson, the Sri Lankan police had received intelligence from Malaysia on July 11 on the arrests of two suspects and 26 Sri Lankan nationals over various offences.

“Two Police teams are in Malaysia and Thailand. One team was sent to Malaysia to discuss with the authorities regarding the 2 suspects and 26 other Sri Lankan nationals arrested there. ‘Kelehelbaddara Padme’ and ‘Commando Salintha’ are not among them. We have not received any information regarding them,” he said. 

ASP Wootler revealed that only a formal request was made seeking assistance in identifying the suspects who have been arrested in Malaysia now.

“Consequently, the photographs and fingerprints of both individuals were sent to the Criminal Investigation Department and the Crime Records Division in Sri Lanka to verify their identities,” he said. 

He further said that it was confirmed that one of the suspects is a 20-year-old individual, adding that the Sri Lankan police then notified Malaysian authorities, who are expected to proceed with legal actions per Malaysian immigration laws.

The Police Spokesperson added that investigations are being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the State Intelligence Service (SIS) in this regard. (Newswire)

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A total of 68 shooting incidents have been reported from 01 January to 13 July this year, with the Sri Lanka Police having apprehended 24 gunmen. 

Addressing the media today, Police Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler said that 15 suspects who had acted as motorcyclists or drivers of vehicles and 150 who had aided and abetted the shootings have also been arrested. 

He further said that among the 68 shootings reported so far this year, 50 are linked to organized crime and 18 are due to other personal disputes.

A total of 37 deaths have been reported in the shootings, out of which 34 of the deceased are oganized criminals.

ASP Wootler said that 39 persons were injured in the shootings and that among them, 30 are linked to organized crime. 

The Police Spokesman also revealed that a total of 1165 weapons were found during multiple raids conducted from 01 January to 10 July 2025. (Newswire)

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Police Media Spokesperson ASP F. U. Wootler says the possession or use of handcuffs by any unauthorised individual is illegal and is a criminal offence.

According to the state newspaper Silumina, ASP Wootler clarified that the lawful use and possession of authorized handcuffs is restricted to officers affiliated with institutions tasked with upholding law and order.

He further said that the production of handcuffs, for any purpose, is banned unless conducted under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Defence at the national level.

The Police Spokesman made the remarks in connection with the murder of a 22-year-old youth in Kahawatte recently. The man was handcuffed, abducted and later found shot dead.

ASP Wootler said a separate probe has been launched into the illegal use of handcuffs in the murder. (Newswire)

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ASP F.U. Wootler has been appointed as the new Director and Spokesperson of the Sri Lanka Police. 

According to the Police, ASP Wootler replaces former Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga.

SSP Buddhika Manatunga has been appointed as SSP in charge of the Polonnaruwa Division. 

The appointments have been made on the approval of the National Police Commission and come into immediate effect. (Newswire)

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