Sri Lanka Moves to Seize Rs. 3.87 Bn in Criminal Assets

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lankan authorities have taken steps to confiscate assets worth Rs. 3,878 million allegedly acquired through illegal activities by organized crime groups during the past two years and the first several months of this year, Police Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said.

Speaking on the ongoing efforts to dismantle organized criminal networks, ASP Wootler said authorities have intensified measures to identify and recover wealth allegedly accumulated through unlawful and anti-social activities.

According to the Police Spokesman, in 2024, Sri Lanka initiated the necessary legal processes to bring assets worth Rs. 1,549 million under State ownership. These assets include gold jewellery, cash, motor vehicles, luxury residences and land believed to have been acquired through criminal activities.

He further stated that authorities launched preliminary measures in 2025 to take over another Rs. 1,549 million worth of assets linked to illegal operations.

ASP Wootler added that during the first several months of 2026, the necessary preliminary steps have already been taken to confiscate a further Rs. 839 million worth of assets.