Govt. dismisses national security threat amid rising criminal activities 

• Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa attributes surge in crime to conflicts between organised groups than broader security threat
• Acknowledges criminal networks infiltrated various sectors, making them harder to dismantle
• Reiterates commitment to eliminating criminal groups, including any corrupt officials linked to them
• Assures no official directive issued regarding attire as security risk 
• Asserts law enforcement agencies are actively cracking down on criminals without political interference
• Denies Govt. MP involvement in last week’s Kotahena shooting and refrains from commenting on case due to ongoing investigation
• Claims Opposition of exploiting situation to discredit Govt. and harm country’s tourism and investment climate 

By Charumini de Silva

The Government yesterday assured the public that national security remains intact, despite a surge in underworld-related violence. 

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised that the recent rise in criminal activities is the result of conflicts between organised groups rather than a broader security threat.

He acknowledged that these criminal networks have embedded themselves in various sectors over time, making them increasingly difficult to dismantle. 

“We are making a strong effort to suppress them, but the lines have blurred to a level where it is very difficult to separately identify the source, even within law enforcement agencies,” he said. 

However, Dr. Jayatissa expressed confidence that the Government would root out these criminal elements, including any corrupt officials linked to them.

The Cabinet Spokesman also asserted that underworld gangs had previously operated under political protection, but insisted that such backing no longer exists under the current administration. 

“These groups thrived under political patronage in the past, but that protection is no longer available,” he stated.

On the topic of potential security risks linked to clothing, Dr. Jayatissa clarified that no official directive has been issued regarding attire deemed a threat. 

“So far, security agencies, including the Police, have not reported that any attire poses a risk. We are not prepared to impose regulations that undermine a person’s cultural identity,” he said. 

He added that if security agencies provided evidence suggesting a specific type of clothing was being used for illegal activities, the Government would review the matter, but no such reports had been received to date.

Addressing speculation about political involvement in last week’s Kotahena shooting, in which two suspects in police custody were killed, Dr. Jayatissa dismissed claims of Government involvement. 

“It is news to me. I can assure you that no Government MPs are involved in any of the recent incidents. However, I cannot speak for opposition MPs,” he said.

When pressed for a Government response to the recent Kotahena killings, Dr. Jayatissa refrained from commenting, citing the ongoing investigation. 

“It would be unfair and could influence the inquiry. Once the process is complete and there are clear findings, the Government will share its stance,” he said.

Dr. Jayatissa also accused the opposition of attempting to exploit the situation to discredit the Government. “Former MPs who were rejected by the public are now seizing this opportunity to spread negativity, trying to paint a bleak picture of the country’s security situation and damage its tourism and investment climate,” he alleged.

Despite all these allegations, he said that the law enforcement agencies have swiftly begun to crackdown on criminals and is free from political influence.