I will eliminate the ‘black empire’ of underground gangs: President Anura’s plan

19-Sep-2025

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I will completely eliminate organized underworld groups that operate as a ‘black kingdom’. Strong decisions must be taken to create a better future for the country’s youth. While strict action has been taken against bribery and corruption, a few in the state administration still continue in their old ways. They must reform, or they will be dismissed,” said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He made these remarks while speaking at the inauguration of the Kadawatha–Meerigama Central Expressway development project on September 17.

Further addressing the event, he said:

“Two years ago, the country’s economy collapsed severely, affecting the lives of all citizens. Economists say a country hit by such a crisis loses a decade of growth. Yet we have taken the right measures to find short-term solutions.

Many development projects were halted due to the economic downturn, including the Kadawatha–Meerigama expressway. This created severe social and economic challenges.

During my official state visit to China last January, I urged the Chinese President to resume the development projects in Sri Lanka that had stalled due to the crisis. He agreed to provide financial support, and I thank him on behalf of the Sri Lankan people. The loans will be given in yuan, not dollars, with interest rates of 2.5–3.5 percent.

When addressing economic recovery, we must also examine how the crisis arose. The crises of 2022 and 2023 were not natural phenomena—they were man-made. The entire population bears some responsibility. But I assure you that such a situation will not arise again.

If the rule of law is firmly enforced, recovery can be properly achieved. In the past, the big fish escaped while the sprats got caught. That has changed. We have given life to the principle that all are equal before the law. Those who once considered themselves above the law are now held accountable.

The underworld operates with weapons and functions like a black kingdom. They have received arms from powerful elements in the military, their drugs have been distributed by police, and politicians and officials have provided full cooperation. This has now grown into a massive crisis.

I pledge to eradicate these organized criminal gangs completely. To give our youth a brighter future, we must take bold decisions.

Bribery and corruption, which spread like cancer, are a great obstacle to national development. Past frauds are being investigated, and legal action is being taken. Though I have established a corruption-free administration, some still cling to old habits. They must either reform or leave. If not, we will remove them from service. Officials must act responsibly to build a culture free from corruption. Act lawfully, and I will extend full support.”