Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, has alleged that certain police officers are being paid to collaborate with underworld operatives and drug traffickers.
Speaking on the “BIG FOCUS” program today (26), the Deputy Minister expressed concerns about the deep connections between some law enforcement personnel and criminal networks.
“There are police officers who receive payments to engage with the underworld and drug trafficking activities. For instance, we recently had to transfer almost the entire police force in Ruwanwella due to intelligence reports indicating their involvement. Similar actions were necessary in Avissawella. These individuals operate as part of a broader network, with money from the underworld reaching certain police officers,” Watagala revealed.
He added that efforts to address these issues involve strategic decisions that cannot always be disclosed publicly.
“We have engaged with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to tackle these challenges. Currently, the individual heading the underworld operates out of Mathugama. This is a pressing concern, and while we have taken various measures, they are not always suitable for media discussion. Key decisions at the ministerial level regarding drugs and the underworld are now in the hands of the IGP and his team for implementation,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also emphasized the importance of police officers upholding their duty to serve the public.
“We urge all officers to respect the public mandate. Recent underworld incidents highlight not only criminal activity but also the influence of narrow, opportunistic political interests,” he concluded.
