President reveals politicians’ links to underworld figures

Colombo, Sep 17 (Daily Mirror) - Information has surfaced linking certain Members of Parliament and former ministers to underworld figures, some of whom were arrested recently in Indonesia President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Speaking at the launch of the resumption of the construction of the Kadawatha–Mirigama section of the Central Expressway, the President said investigations into the group of suspects had revealed their deep involvement in Sri Lanka’s criminal network.

According to the President, the group was responsible for more than 50 percent of the country’s drug operations and over 75 percent of underworld activities. 

“They have also provided cash in various ways to our politicians,” he said.

He alleged that some MPs had collected money regularly by visiting the residences of these underworld leaders, while others had invited them to their own homes each month. 

“Like collecting taxes, some MPs have visited their homes every month to receive money. Some Ministers have brought these people to their residences every month. This information has now come to light,” he added.

Warning that the network created by these groups has spread widely across the country, President Dissanayake vowed to take decisive action to curb underworld activities.