Hemal Prashantha, the Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), who provided vital intelligence leading to the largest drug haul in Sri Lankan history — discovered floating in the sea off the southern coast — has been transferred.
According to reports, he has been appointed as the Acting Commanding Officer of the Police Field Force Headquarters. The reason for his transfer has not yet been disclosed.
Police sources confirm that no allegations of corruption have been made against Prashantha during his 31 years of service.
Having served as the Director of the PNB for nearly two years, Prashantha oversaw operations that resulted in the seizure of almost two tons of illegal drugs.
In addition to leading major raids, he also launched awareness programs targeting fishing boat owners, skippers, and ganiyas (fishermen who assist in hauling nets) across the island. These programs, conducted under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, were aimed at preventing large-scale drug trafficking into the country.
As a result of these efforts, it is reported that many boat skippers in the southern region have refrained from bringing drugs ashore.
Furthermore, several more boats intercepted by the Navy in deep-sea operations are expected to be brought to land soon, based on intelligence provided by Prashantha.
In one major raid carried out by the Navy using his information, 51 parcels containing 839 kilograms of drugs were recovered floating in the sea off the southern coast. According to police reports, the parcels included 670 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 156 kilograms of heroin, and approximately 12 kilograms of hashish.
This operation was conducted under the direct supervision of IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya and Senior Deputy IGP Ranmal Kodituwakku, marking one of the most significant anti-narcotics successes in recent history.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) M.C.P. Herath has been appointed as the new Director of the Police Narcotics Bureau.
