‘Ratama Ekata’ operation: 89 red-notice criminals to be repatriated

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, March 26 (Daily Mirror) - Security forces in Sri Lanka are taking steps to repatriate 89 criminals who have been issued international red notices under the ongoing ‘Ratama Ekata’ national operation targeting drugs and organised crime.

Speaking at a media briefing today, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wutler said that since the operation’s launch on October 30, 2025, police have seized over 1,071 kg of heroin, 1,938 kg of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and 4,917 kg of cannabis.

He added that more than 114,000 suspects have been arrested nationwide, while investigations into the illegal assets of 215 individuals have been initiated. In the past five months, 1,911 drug addicts have also been rehabilitated.

To curb corruption, a new WhatsApp hotline (0777128128) has been introduced in the Western Province, enabling the public to provide information. Citizens can also report organised crimes through 1997 and 119, which are connected to 608 police stations across the island. Several police officers who aided traffickers have been interdicted, he noted.

Brigadier Waruna Gamage, Army Media Spokesperson, highlighted that around 7,000 Army personnel have been actively engaged in the operation. The Air Force has logged 250 flight hours using drones and aerial surveillance, while the Navy has seized drugs worth over Rs. 96 billion at sea during 2025 and 2026.

Sri Lanka Customs has contributed significantly, carrying out 147 drug detections valued at Rs. 5.8 billion in 2025, Customs Media Spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa said.

Authorities said the operation has dealt a major blow to organised drug networks, disrupting trafficking routes and confiscating assets worth millions of rupees.