Interpol hunts 93 Lankan suspects hiding overseas

Police have obtained Interpol Red Notices for 93 wanted suspects believed to be hiding overseas in connection with crimes committed in Sri Lanka, Police Media Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said on Thursday (13).

Wootler disclosed this at a special press conference held to brief the media on progress made under the “Ratama Ekata” national operation.

He said 38 suspects had been repatriated to Sri Lanka through Interpol Red Notices during 2024, 2025 and the period elapsed so far this year.

Another 35 prominent and notorious criminals had also been brought back to the country through the direct intervention of Inspector General of Police (IGP), he added.

Meanwhile, a special programme is underway to seize large quantities of assets allegedly acquired illegally by suspects brought back to Sri Lanka. The assets include vehicles, houses, gold and land.

As the first step towards transferring such assets to state custody, properties worth Rs. 1.49 billion were frozen in 2024, while assets valued at Rs. 1.549 billion were frozen in 2025, Wootler said.

He further revealed that since January 1 this year, initial legal proceedings have been initiated to take into state custody illegally acquired assets valued at Rs. 839 million.