Politics

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler announced that Interpol has issued 'Red Notices' for 95 organized crime figures from Sri Lanka who are currently living abroad. Speaking at a media briefing on the 16th, he shared that in 2024, 10 suspects were returned to Sri Lanka through these 'Red Notices,' while 11 more were brought back in 2025. Over the same two years, 21 suspects were returned under Extradition Laws. ASP Wootler further stated that many criminals running operations from outside Sri Lanka have already been identified, leading to the issuance of 'Red Notices' for them. Today, on the 16th, two male suspects and one female suspect were captured and brought back to Sri Lanka. He mentioned that the Sri Lanka Police worked with the Government of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Police, and Sri Lankan embassies to make these arrests. One of the arrested males is a resident of the Kandana Police Division and is the main suspect in a shooting incident involving a car in Kandana in July 2025. He is also accused of serious murder cases, illegal possession and use of firearms, and other organized crimes. He has been transferred to the Kelaniya Crime Division for further investigation. The second male suspect is from the Elpitiya Police Division. He is believed to be involved in organized crime, illegal weapon possession, and other serious offenses in the Southern Province. He was brought back to Sri Lanka following a 'Red Notice' from the Sri Lanka Police and an open warrant from the Elpitiya Magistrate’s Court. Investigations are ongoing under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police in Elpitiya. Meanwhile, the female suspect, who resides in Mount Lavinia, was wanted for her involvement in cases of alleged misappropriation of state funds dating back to 2014.