In a decisive bid to end the era of criminals operating with impunity from behind bars, Sri Lanka’s government is set to roll out landmark legislation that could reshape the battle against organized crime.

The Sri Lankan government is poised to introduce a stringent new law in the coming week aimed at dismantling organized crime networks that have long plagued the nation. Dubbed the organized crime control bill, the legislation is designed to close critical legal loopholes that have allowed convicted criminals to continue directing illicit operations from prison cells.

Police officials have confirmed that the current practice of detaining high-profile drug traffickers under the prevention of terrorism act (PTA) is merely a stopgap measure. The new bill will provide a dedicated legal framework specifically tailored to combat organized crime syndicates involved in drug trafficking, extortion, contract killings, and related violence.

New Bill Targets Prison-Based Operations

A cornerstone of the proposed law is a provision empowering law enforcement to remove convicted criminals from prison and place them back in police custody for further investigations if they are linked to new offences. This move directly addresses the alarming reality that many gang leaders have been running their empires using smuggled mobile phones and corrupt insiders within the prison system.

“We cannot hide behind legal gaps anymore. We have criminals with powerful names that people are falsely intimidated by. Under this new Act, no one will be able to operate from within a cell. If they are linked to new crimes, they will be pulled out of prison and held by police for rigorous investigation,” said DIG Chandana Kodituwakku, head of the central crime investigation bureau (CCIB).

The DIG emphasised that the legislation would ensure no safe haven exists for criminals – not even inside prison walls. He highlighted ongoing asset seizures under the proceeds of crime act, where billions of rupees in illegally acquired property, vehicles, and cash have already been confiscated from fugitives operating abroad.

Surge in Organized Crime Prompts Urgent Action

The announcement comes amid a well-documented rise in organized crime since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war. Police reports indicate the existence of at least 58 active criminal syndicates, involving around 1,400 individuals directly linked to these networks. These groups primarily engage in narcotics trafficking, extortion rackets, and contract killings, often exploiting post-war stockpiles of weapons and the skills of former armed forces deserters who have turned to crime for livelihood.

Extortion and protection racketeering remain rampant, frequently intertwined with the drug trade. In 2023 alone, organised crime groups were responsible for 65 shooting incidents resulting in 37 deaths. The following year saw 56 such incidents and 46 fatalities, underscoring the persistent threat to public safety despite earlier crackdowns.

Narco-political linkages have historically complicated enforcement efforts, with some gangs enjoying tacit protection from influential figures. However, the current administration has publicly withdrawn such patronage, granting full operational freedom to police and security forces. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has repeatedly stressed that 2026 will be the year when the principle of equality before the law becomes a lived reality, with no tolerance for drug dealers or their enablers.

Ongoing Crackdowns Yield Results

Sri Lankan authorities have already intensified operations with notable successes. In the first quarter of 2026, the Sri Lanka Navy seized narcotics valued at over Rs 25 billion. The criminal investigation department has tracked and arrested 29 top-level drug suppliers operating from Indonesia, Nepal, and Pakistan.

International cooperation has been pivotal. Sri Lanka has secured 95 interpol red notices against fugitives hiding overseas, with several high-profile leaders repatriated from countries including Indonesia and the UAE. In one major operation last year, five notorious gang figures – including alleged kingpins – were captured abroad and returned to face justice. These repatriations have yielded fresh intelligence leading to further domestic arrests and the exposure of methamphetamine manufacturing networks within Sri Lanka, some allegedly involving foreign advisers and even local politicians.

Asset freezes and raids have disrupted financial lifelines. Southern provinces like Weligama and Tangalle have seen major drug busts uncovering international syndicates trafficking heroin and crystal methamphetamine (ICE), with one operation alone netting over 700 kilograms of narcotics – the largest land-based seizure in the country’s history.

Despite these gains, challenges persist. Many gang “godfathers” continue directing operations remotely from Dubai and other safe havens, using encrypted communications to coordinate local foot soldiers. Prison raids have repeatedly exposed how cartels undermine state machinery through bribery and intimidation.

International Efforts Bolster Domestic Fight

The new bill is expected to complement these efforts by creating a robust domestic legal arsenal. It builds on existing tools like the proceeds of crime act while addressing gaps that have allowed convicted offenders to evade full accountability. Legal experts anticipate faster prosecutions and stronger deterrence, potentially reducing the cycle of gang-related violence that has terrorized communities.

Public sentiment appears supportive. Years of frustration with underworld influence – ranging from street-level extortion to high-profile assassinations – have fuelled calls for tougher measures. The government’s pledge to eradicate the nexus between crime and politics resonates with citizens weary of narco-politics.

However, implementation will be key. Critics have cautioned that any new powers must be exercised with safeguards to prevent misuse, drawing lessons from the controversial application of the PTA in non-terrorism cases.

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