Rewards and commendations for special raids and successful Investigations carried out in the Southern Province

Launching the second phase of the national operation “Quit – The Nation United”, initiated on the instructions of Hon. President Anura Kumara with the intention of eradicating toxic drug use and trafficking from the country, a public gathering was held on the evening of 20.11.2025 at the Tangalle Public Stadium with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.

A key segment of the event, held under the patronage of the Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, was awarding of cash rewards and commendations to police officers and Police Special Task Force officers, who uncovered large quantities of drugs, seized illegal weapons and ammunition, solved serious crimes, and performed their duties with exceptional dedication, out of the officers who have successfully conducted raids in the Southern Province.

Subsequently, for the recent successful arrests made along the Southern coastal belt involving large quantities of drugs, weapons, and ammunition, Hon. President also awarded rewards and commendations to Navy officers, and officers of the Civil Security Department and private informants who were present at the gathering, were also appreciated.

* Some of the successful operations for which the relevant police officers received rewards include:

* Arresting 53 kilograms and 300 grams of heroin, 60 kilograms and 660 grams of narcotic Ice, along with a lorryand  two suspects on 13.04.2025 near Kudawella Fisheries Harbour.

* Arresting the suspects and a T-56 firearm related to Kosgoda Double Homicide on 04.04.2018.

* Seizure of a T-56 firearm and 30 ammunition on 06.08.2020 at Hanbunna area of Weeraketiya.

* A Case on a missing female person in Hiniduma Police Area on 05th June 2020 was revealed to be a homicide, and arresting the suspect.

* Arresting four suspects along with an AK-47 automatic firearm, a pistol, and 12080 grams of heroin on 30.06.2023 at Matara and Deyyandara areas. 

The event was attended by the Maha Sangha led by Most Venerable Sapugahayaya Saranankara Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka in the Hambantota District of the Sri Rohana chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya, and leaders of all religions, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Commanders of the Tri-Forces, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya (Attorney-at-Law), senior government officials, security force members, and a large gathering of residents.