Sri Lanka faces challenges in seeking extradition of criminals located through Interpol

• Legal and logistical hurdles hamper extradition efforts  
• Negotiations underway for new extradition treaties 
• CID extradites 22 criminals over recent years, including 8 this year  
• “It is not a massive task to bring wanted criminals if we can resolve existing issues such as amending capital punishment laws. Strengthening Sri Lankan missions overseas and increasing law enforcement officers in embassies

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Despite dozens of Sri Lankan wanted persons out of 164 on the Interpol red notice list being located, local authorities are facing legal and logistical challenges in extraditing suspects to Sri Lanka, the Daily Mirror learns.  

Sri Lankan authorities are negotiating with several countries to extradite individuals wanted under Interpol red notices.   

The police have obtained 164 red notices and nearly 100 blue notices. Red notices are issued for persons wanted for extradition, while blue notices are used to collect information about a person’s identity, location, or activities related to a criminal investigation.  Of the 164 red notices issued, dozens of wanted persons have been located.

However, extraditing suspects to Sri Lanka poses legal and logistical challenges, including international legal principles and extradition laws. The existence of capital punishment, although not implemented, also hinders the extradition of Sri Lankan criminals from European countries.  

Extradition requires a treaty or agreement with the country where the suspect is located. Without such an agreement, extradition may be difficult or impossible. Out of 164 red notices, over 50 of the red notices target wanted criminals, with many reportedly hiding in the UAE. Others wanted for terrorism, fraud, and money laundering are also among those issued red notices. At least ten red notices were obtained against women for fraud, murder, and drug offenses.  

The police have also obtained several yellow notices, which are issued to help locate missing persons, often minors, or to identify persons unable to identify themselves.  

Sources said that Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has instructed authorities to negotiate extradition treaties with certain Middle Eastern countries. Sri Lanka has entered into extradition treaties with the United States, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam, China, and the UAE.  

Sources said that authorities have made requests to extradite some wanted persons to Sri Lanka.  

They said that positive responses have been received for some cases, but some countries are not satisfied with the existing materials. The police are working with the Attorney General’s Department, Ministry of Defence, and relevant diplomatic missions to address these issues.  

Since the Yukthiya operation was launched, IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon has continuously instructed the police to obtain red notices and take steps to bring wanted suspects to Sri Lanka. For example, wanted criminal Kanjipani Imran is reportedly hiding in France, but Sri Lanka has no extradition treaty with France, necessitating government-level discussions.  

Several wanted persons are also believed to be in France, Italy, and the UK. Many European countries have abolished the death penalty and are hesitant to extradite individuals to countries where they might face capital punishment.  

Ministry of Defence is the Central Authority for extradition in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, extradition requests should be submitted to the Ministry of Defence through diplomatic channels.  

“It is not a massive task to bring wanted criminals if we can resolve existing issues such as amending capital punishment laws. Strengthening Sri Lankan missions overseas and increasing law enforcement officers in embassies would also help,” the source said.  

Meanwhile, authorities are considering that signing an extradition treaty with Thailand would be ideal, as the country could become a potential hideout for criminals due to its extension of free visa arrivals for Sri Lankan tourists.  
Sources said that since Thailand is not a Commonwealth country, Sri Lanka will need to establish an extradition treaty with Thailand to prevent it from becoming a haven for wanted criminals.  

This year, the CID has brought back eight wanted persons, marking the highest number of extraditions in a single year. Over the last four to five years, the authorities have extradited at least 14 wanted individuals under red notices.  

When asked why most notices are not publicly available on the Interpol site, sources said Interpol restricts public access due to certain issues, making them accessible only to law enforcement entities. An extract of the notice can be published if the requesting country wishes to alert the public or seek their help.