Police reveal disturbing crime figures, announce reward programme to tackle organised crime

February 23, Colombo (LNW): Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya has revealed alarming figures regarding organised crime across Sri Lanka, disclosing that 58 criminal gangs and around 1,400 of their affiliates have been identified operating throughout the country.

The Acting IGP shared this information during a public statement today, shedding light on the scale of the ongoing threat posed by these groups.

Weerasooriya further disclosed that, so far this year, 22 individuals have lost their lives in violent incidents linked to organised crime.

Of these, 17 were shot dead, and five were brutally hacked to death.

The situation highlights the growing severity of gang-related violence within the nation, with law enforcement under increasing pressure to address the issue.

In a shocking revelation, the Acting IGP also confirmed that certain members of the police and armed forces have been implicated in these criminal activities.

So far, 11 personnel, including two police officers, one soldier, one airman, and seven army deserters, have been arrested in connection with these incidents, further complicating the challenge faced by authorities.

In addition to these disturbing revelations, Weerasooriya reported that extensive police investigations under the current government have led to the seizure of a large number of firearms.

These include 13 T56 rifles, 15 revolvers, 21 pistols, 75 12-bore firearms, seven repeaters, 805 shotguns, and four other firearms, which have been removed from circulation.

To intensify efforts to combat organised crime, the Acting IGP announced the introduction of a new reward programme, offering Rs. 1 million for any information leading to the recovery of T56 firearms.

This initiative is aimed at encouraging the public to assist law enforcement in tackling the growing threat of illegal weaponry.

Additionally, a dedicated hotline, 1997, has been established for citizens to report criminal activity and illicit firearms.