• 60 suspended while legal action taken against ‘many’ others including arrest and remand 

Around 2,000 to 3,000 investigations have been launched into Police officers since the National People’s Power Government came to power, over alleged misconduct including links to the drug trade and organised crime, according to the Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, he said that the Government has taken all necessary steps to act against officers involved in various forms of misconduct. “We take action against any Police officer who engages in drug- or organised crime-related activities. So far, 2,000 to 3,000 investigations have been initiated against such officers. The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) takes prompt action whenever an allegation is made,” the minister said.

As a result of these investigations, Wijepala said that 50-60 Police officers have been suspended from duty, and that cases have been filed against many others. “We don’t protect anyone like previous governments did. If an officer is involved in misconduct, they’re being dealt with through the proper channels. Some have already been arrested and remanded.”

In recent months, there have been several reported incidents of police misconduct — including having links to drug dealers and organised crime groups, assaults on suspects, deaths in custody, and illegal detentions.

Admitting that discipline within the Police force has deteriorated, Wijepala previously said that the Government is working to address the issue. “We receive a large number of complaints against officers, including those under investigation by the SIU, Fundamental Rights petitions, Human Rights Commission inquiries, and performance-related concerns. We are addressing these issues and doing our best to improve discipline of the Police,” he said.

The Police Department is the country’s main law enforcement agency, responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crime, and ensuring the safety and security of the public. It functions under the Public Security Ministry and includes specialised units covering areas such as traffic, narcotics, cybercrime, and terrorism.