The Ministry of Public Security stated that it hopes to achieve the target of eliminating drug trafficking and organised crime by 30 June, by focusing more on breaking the drug distribution network.

Both Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Acting Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon have said that they hope to continue the islandwide operation ‘Yukthiya’ (Justice) to eliminate drug trafficking and organised crime in the country by 30 June.

When queried by The Daily Morning as to whether they are confident of being able to achieve the said target by 30 June, the Secretary to the Ministry Viyani Gunathilaka said that the Police would make its maximum effort to achieve the target. "Our hope is to do this by 30 June. The Police will focus more on breaking the drug distribution network in doing it."

The operation ‘Yukthiya’', which was announced a day in advance, was first launched on 17 December of last year (2023) on the instructions of Alles and Tennakoon. It was launched by the Police with the support of other security forces such as the Special Task Force and the Army. During the raids conducted throughout the country, thousands of suspects have been arrested for the possession of drugs, and their alleged involvement in various crimes.

However, several local and international parties including opposition political parties and groups, civil society organisations, the Bar Association and the United Nations have raised concerns over the said operation. They have claimed that the Police is misusing their power in implementing the operation, and that the same may pose a threat to the people's rights and freedoms. As the subject Minister, Alles has denied such allegations and vowed to continue the operation.