Colombo, 10 November 2025
Seven Sri Lankan nationals accused of international drug trafficking and currently hiding in Middle Eastern countries have expressed willingness to surrender to local authorities, according to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala.
The minister made the announcement on Saturday while attending the Colombo District operations of the national anti-drug campaign “A Nation United”, held at the Colombo District Secretariat.
Minister Wijepala revealed that the suspects had contacted Sri Lankan authorities on Friday, 7 November, and disclosed the locations of their operations overseas. They reportedly agreed to end their involvement in narcotics trafficking and return to Sri Lanka to face legal action.
“This marks a significant development in our fight against the international drug network that has long operated from abroad,” the minister said, describing the decision as a “major breakthrough” in the government’s ongoing crackdown on the drug trade.
Part of the National Anti-Drug Campaign
The announcement came amid intensified anti-drug operations under the government’s “A Nation United” initiative, known locally as “Ratama Ekata.” The nationwide campaign, launched in late October, aims to unite government agencies, law enforcement, and communities in tackling drug addiction and trafficking through enforcement, rehabilitation, and public education.
Since the start of the campaign, police have conducted thousands of raids across the country, resulting in over a thousand arrests and the seizure of large quantities of heroin, crystal methamphetamine (“Ice”), and cannabis. Dozens of suspects have also been directed toward rehabilitation programs.
Details Yet to Be Confirmed
While the minister confirmed that the seven suspects are based in Middle Eastern nations, he did not disclose which countries they are in or provide details about how the surrender will take place.
Officials are reportedly coordinating with foreign law enforcement agencies to facilitate the suspects’ return, but no timeline has been set for their extradition or repatriation.
The Ministry of Public Security and the Police Narcotics Bureau are expected to verify the authenticity of the suspects’ claims and work through diplomatic channels before any legal process begins.
A Major Step Against International Drug Networks
Sri Lankan authorities have long identified the Middle East as a key hub for drug traffickers operating across Asia. Several high-profile Sri Lankan nationals previously arrested or killed in connection with narcotics operations were known to have fled to Middle Eastern countries to evade local prosecution.
If the seven suspects do surrender, investigators believe it could provide valuable intelligence about the structure of regional drug operations, smuggling routes, and the connections between foreign suppliers and domestic distributors.
Minister Wijepala emphasized that the government’s commitment to eliminating the drug menace remains firm, promising continued raids, public awareness programs, and international cooperation to curb the flow of narcotics into the country.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are now awaiting confirmation of the suspects’ surrender arrangements. Law enforcement agencies are preparing to handle the legal procedures and potential rehabilitation programs for returning offenders.
The “A Nation United” campaign will continue to expand, with more coordinated operations planned across all districts in the coming weeks.
“This is not just a law enforcement operation,” Wijepala said. “It is a national movement to safeguard our youth and build a healthier, drug-free Sri Lanka.”
