Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
President seeks extradition of 10 criminals detained in India
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appealed to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to facilitate the handover of 10 organised criminals and drug traffickers who fled Sri Lanka and were subsequently arrested by Indian authorities.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
President Dissanayake made the special request during discussions with Defence Minister Singh, seeking cooperation in repatriating the suspects who are currently in custody following their apprehension by Indian security forces while concealing themselves within Indian territory.
The 10 individuals are reportedly linked to organised crime networks and drug trafficking operations that targeted Sri Lanka. Their escape to India and subsequent arrest by Indian authorities has prompted Colombo to pursue formal extradition procedures through diplomatic channels.
The appeal reflects ongoing efforts by the Sri Lankan government to combat transnational criminal activity and organised crime syndicates operating across South Asian borders. India and Sri Lanka have historically maintained cooperative frameworks for addressing cross-border criminal matters and security concerns.
The request comes as Sri Lanka intensifies its focus on law enforcement coordination with regional partners to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt drug trafficking routes that have impacted the island nation.