Many professionals request security amid underworld threats

2026-02-23 - 07:56

The Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Defence have initiated security assessments for hundreds of professionals, including lawyers, prison officers and police personnel, after receiving death threats from members of the underworld, the ‘Aruna’ newspaper reports. The Ministry of Defence has reportedly tasked the State Intelligence Service (SIS) with compiling threat assessment reports for professionals living under high-risk conditions. The ‘Aruna’ news report further states: The report highlighted that certain lawyers involved in cases linked to underworld operatives have received death threats from rival gang members. The matter was also discussed extensively when all members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) gathered in Colombo, after an attorney and his wife were recently killed in Akuregoda by underworld criminals. Meanwhile, Prison officers are considered particularly vulnerable to threats from underworld members with some even requesting voluntary transfers due to safety concerns. Most face threats over the strict supervision related to restrictions on prisoners’ use of mobile phones and other illegal activities. SIS officials have confirmed that security assessments are ongoing for individuals who have lodged complaints with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), citing life threats. It is further learnt that some senior Buddhist monks have also requested protection due to similar threats and security is provided to those who are verified as genuinely under threat based on a formal assessment. Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson – Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler had responded to queries by ‘Aruna’, stating that anyone reporting a life threat to the IGP, undergoes a formal security assessment. Those verified as genuinely at risk will be provided with appropriate security measures, with assessments reviewed by a committee to determine the level of security required, he had added.