SJB Criticises Government Over Handling of Recent Drug Investigations

Speaking at a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) media briefing, Nithin Rajitha Lakmal criticised the government over what he described as attempts to portray the current administration in a negative light and questioned the government’s handling of recent narcotics-related investigations.

He referred to recent investigations involving Senior Deputy Inspector General Ranmal Kodituwakku, who provided a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an ongoing investigation into the discovery of a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice,” at the Colombo Port. Hiru News reported that the CID recorded his statement regarding the seizure of approximately 472 kilograms of Ice.

Rajitha Lakmal questioned the government’s actions and said that the public had previously seen similar situations portrayed in films. He also claimed that the flow of drugs such as heroin and Ice had declined and questioned whether the government was now taking steps that could undermine those efforts.

He further criticised the government over what he described as actions affecting senior police officers involved in narcotics investigations.

He claimed that the country was being pushed backwards and raised concerns about the financial situation of the Treasury.

The remarks were made as part of the SJB's criticism of the government's approach to law enforcement, narcotics control and wider governance.

Context: The recent Colombo Port narcotics investigation concerns a container in which hundreds of kilograms of crystal methamphetamine were discovered. The exact quantity and valuation have been reported differently by various sources, while investigations involving Senior DIG Ranmal Kodituwakku remain ongoing.