95 red notices issued as Police intensify hunt for wanted criminals hiding abroad

• Many criminals who have fled are continuing to carry out organised and online crimes from abroad

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

In response to a rise in crimes involving criminals operating from overseas, the Sri Lanka Police have obtained 95 red notices to track down fugitives. Several high-profile suspects have already been repatriated as authorities intensify efforts to crack down on organised crime networks abroad.  Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that red notices have been obtained against 95 organised criminals currently hiding overseas.  Addressing a media briefing, ASP Wootler said that 10 suspects were brought back to Sri Lanka through Interpol Red Notices in 2024, while 11 suspects were returned in 2025. In addition, 21 suspects were extradited to the country during the two-year period under the Extradition Act. 

He further said that many criminals who have fled the country are continuing to carry out organised and online crimes from abroad, prompting the issuance of red notices against 95 individuals. As a result of these efforts, three suspects were brought to Sri Lanka yesterday. 

ASP Wootler said the suspects were brought with the assistance of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi International Police, Dubai Police, and Sri Lankan diplomatic missions. 

Among the suspects returned is a resident of the Kandana Police area, identified as the main suspect in a shooting incident involving a vehicle in Kandana in July 2025. He is believed to be involved in serious organised crimes, including murder and illegal possession and use of firearms.

The suspect was handed over to the Kelaniya Crime Division for further investigations. 

Another suspect, a resident of the Elpitiya Police area in the Southern Province, was also returned to Sri Lanka. He is suspected of involvement in underworld activities, organised crimes, murders, and illegal possession of weapons. He was brought back following the issuance of a red notice by Sri Lanka Police and an open warrant issued by the Elpitiya Magistrate’s Court. Investigations are being conducted under the supervision of the Elpitiya Senior Superintendent of Police. 

In addition, a female suspect from the Mount Lavinia Police area was arrested upon her return to Sri Lanka. She is wanted in several fraud cases involving the misuse of public funds dating back to 2014. She was returned based on a red notice issued by the Colombo High Court in connection with an open warrant. The suspect has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigations.