Underworld Gangs' Prison Conspiracies Will Never Succeed: Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe

18-Jul-2026

.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe has asserted that attempts by organised crime syndicates to undermine the Government's crackdown on underworld gangs, including through conspiracies hatched inside prisons, will never succeed.

Addressing a public event in Colombo, the Deputy Minister accused Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa of ridiculing the Government's efforts to combat organised crime instead of supporting the campaign. He alleged that the Opposition Leader was misleading the public through politically motivated statements.

Ranasinghe said the series of shootings reported across the country in recent years were not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate effort by organised criminal networks. He noted that when the Government intensified legal action against these groups, they resorted to gun violence in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

He stated that street shootings have now been brought largely under control and that those responsible for the incidents have been arrested. With their activities outside prison severely restricted, underworld figures have allegedly shifted their operations to prisons.

"They appear to believe that by orchestrating shootings inside prisons and targeting intelligence officers, they can derail the Government's campaign against organised crime. That will never happen," he said.

The Deputy Minister further criticised the Opposition Leader for making what he described as irresponsible statements at a time when the country is facing serious security challenges.

He also accused the Opposition of organising protests with small groups of farmers and repeatedly demanding the resignation of the President, ministers and the Government.

Referring to the Government's electoral mandate, Ranasinghe said it had received one of the strongest public mandates in the country's history and would step down only when the people themselves decide that its time in office is over.

He alleged that certain Opposition figures were calling for the Government's resignation only because investigations into narcotics networks, alleged bribery involving underworld gangs and murder cases were exposing wrongdoing, and insisted that the Government would not be intimidated by such demands.