SL police works with India, Malaysia, Thailand, Abu Dhabi to track down criminals hiding overseas: IGP

Sri Lanka is working with law enforcement authorities in India, Malaysia, Thailand, Abu Dhabi and Indonesia to apprehend Sri Lankan criminals who have fled abroad, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya said yesterday.

- By DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA

The IGP noted that despite ongoing international operations, existing laws are inadequate to deal with the growing complexities of organised crime. He stressed the need for a dedicated legal framework to effectively prosecute such cases.

Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced that the government is planning to set up special courts to expedite trials against organised criminals, citing long delays and the high cost of maintaining suspects during lengthy legal proceedings. Speaking to the media, Minister Wijepala said the move comes amid growing concerns over the large amount of public funds required to detain and provide security for organised crime suspects during lengthy legal proceedings. He said that any legal action would be taken strictly within the existing legal framework, but special high courts are being proposed to accelerate the judicial process.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya also addressed the matter, saying that existing laws are insufficient to deal with the complexities of organised crime.

He said the Sri Lanka Police, in coordination with the Justice Ministry, is working on drafting special legislation to effectively prosecute organised crime cases.

“Normal law cannot handle these cases. We need a dedicated legal framework,” the IGP said.