The Ministry of Public Security is in the process of equipping special crime investigation bureaus, which are to be established in all the nine provinces.

It was recently reported that special crime investigation bureaus are to be set up covering all the provinces to minimise crime.

When queried by The Daily Morning about the progress of establishing these bureaus, the Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that the process of equipping them is currently underway. "There are certain facilities, including staff, that we need to provide. We are in the process of doing so now."

Speaking to The Daily Morning on an earlier occasion, Wijepala said that the proposed bureaus would be similar to the Colombo Crimes Division in structure. They are to be in operation under the direct supervision of the Inspector General of Police, and to be headed by the Senior Deputy Inspectors General of Police.

The bureaus, once in operation, will focus on solving unsolved cases, tackling organised crime, combating drug trafficking, and addressing other forms of crimes. They will also investigate crimes more common in certain provinces, such as human smuggling. Each bureau will also have its own hotline for the public to contact.