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Police officers

Sri Lanka Cracks Down on Police Corruption with Record Number of Suspensions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Sri Lanka is witnessing a significant shift in its approach to combating police corruption, with a surge in disciplinary actions against officers implicated in various offenses. The year 2025 has seen a dramatic increase in suspensions and arrests, with over 300 police officers removed from service, compared to 200 in 2024. The crackdown has targeted officers involved in drug trafficking, abuse of power, and other serious crimes. The Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, has vowed to take disciplinary action against even senior officers, emphasizing the need for a trustworthy police force to address the country's drug crisis and restore public confidence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 300 police officers have been suspended in 2025 for various offenses, including direct involvement in drug trafficking and abuse of power.
  • The number of suspensions has increased significantly compared to 2024, where 200 officers were removed from service.
  • The Bribery Commission has arrested at least 10 police officers by mid-2025 on various bribery and corruption charges.
  • One of the serious cases involved the Officer-in-Charge of Poovarasankulam Police Station, who was arrested for accepting a Rs. 500,000 bribe to settle a land dispute.
  • Another serious case took place in Ragama, where two officers from the Western Province Crime Division were arrested for fabricating a narcotics possession case.
  • Dozens of officers have been dismissed after testing positive for substances such as heroin and synthetic drugs like ICE.
  • The government has launched roughly 2,000 to 3,000 internal investigations into police misconduct, particularly concerning links to drug trafficking and peddling and other organised crimes.
  • Disciplinary action will be taken without exception, even against long-serving or senior officers, and some officers have lost their pension rights due to corruption findings.
  • Several top positions in law enforcement institutions are currently filled by acting officials, as the former officeholders are under investigation or involved in ongoing legal matters.

Statistics:

  • Over 300 police officers suspended in 2025.
  • 200 police officers removed from service in 2024.
  • 10 police officers arrested by the Bribery Commission by mid-2025.
  • Dozens of officers dismissed after testing positive for substances like heroin and ICE.
  • 2,000 to 3,000 internal investigations launched into police misconduct in 2025.
  • Rs. 1,500 bribe taken by a constable in Arachchikattuwa to issue a clearance certificate.
  • Rs. 40,000 bribe solicited by the OIC of Okkampitiya Police Station.
  • Rs. 500,000 bribe accepted by the Officer-in-Charge of Poovarasankulam Police Station.

Sources:

  • Minister of Public Security, Ananda Wijepala, as quoted in the Daily Mirror Sri Lanka.
  • Daily Mirror Sri Lanka, "Sri Lanka Cracks Down on Police Corruption with Record Number of Suspensions".
  • HT Digital Content Services, with permission from Daily Mirror Sri Lanka.

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