• Deportation processes underway with individual case files at Immi.-Emi. Dept. on foreigners with links to org. crime, illicit operations, drug trafficking and several major crimes

The Ministry of Public Security stated that the relevant authorities, including the Police, are working to apprehend and take action against all individuals engaged in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, regardless of whether they are Sri Lankans or foreign nationals.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said that there will be no special treatment for anyone involved in such activities. “If someone is caught engaging in illegal activity in this country, Sri Lankan or foreign, we will act. That’s simple. The Police has taken steps to arrest many such individuals and produce them before courts. That'll continue to happen."

He added that deportation processes are also being strictly handled in the case of foreigners, with individual case files opened for each person. "Individuals from various countries, including Bangladesh, China, and Israel, have been deported over the past. All necessary legal steps are being followed. The Department of Immigration and Emigration, which functions under our ministry, is managing these matters properly," the minister pointed out.

In recent months, Sri Lankan authorities have arrested a growing number of foreign nationals linked to organised crime and illicit operations. As reported in the media, several Chinese nationals were detained for operating illegal online betting and call centre scams based out of Colombo’s suburbs. In another case, a group of Nigerians was arrested in connection with an international financial fraud ring that targeted local banks and individuals through phishing and identity theft.

There have also been multiple arrests tied to drug trafficking. Authorities recently apprehended Pakistani nationals attempting to smuggle heroin through Sri Lanka, as well as Indian nationals linked to regional drug distribution networks. In many cases, these operations were being run from rented safehouses, using fake documentation and local contacts.