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COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has obtained Interpol Red Notices for 93 suspects believed to be hiding overseas in connection with crimes committed in the country, Police spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said during a special briefing on the “Ratama Ekata” national operation.

Wootler said authorities were working with international partners to locate suspects wanted in connection with serious crimes and bring them back to Sri Lanka.

According to the police spokesman, 38 suspects were brought back to Sri Lanka through Interpol Red Notices during 2024, 2025 and the period that has elapsed this year.

A further 35 suspects described by police as notorious criminals were brought back through the direct intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Wootler said.

Sri Lankan authorities have also launched a programme targeting assets allegedly acquired through illegal activities by suspects brought back to the country.

The assets identified include vehicles, houses, gold and land believed by authorities to have been acquired through illicit means.

Wootler said legal measures were taken in 2024 to freeze or otherwise immobilise assets worth approximately Rs. 1.49 billion, as an initial step towards potential State acquisition.

In 2025, assets valued at approximately Rs. 1.549 billion were similarly subjected to preliminary legal measures for State acquisition, according to the police.

The measures form part of Sri Lanka’s wider efforts to pursue suspects who are outside the country while targeting assets allegedly connected to criminal activity.

A Red Notice is an international request to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal proceedings. It is not an international arrest warrant, and the person remains subject to the laws of the country where they are found.