Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala says a total of 574,000 individuals involved in drug-related activities, including drug traffickers, have been apprehended over the past two years.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing a public rally held in Nikaweratiya today (11).

Elaborating on the matter, he said that as a result of these operations, illegal traffickers were being sent to prison.

He further stated that 3,980 firearms illegally possessed by criminals had been taken into state custody as part of efforts to establish the rule of law and ensure public safety.

The Minister emphasized that the Government was restoring the rule of law, which had previously deteriorated, and taking strict legal action against individuals involved in racketeering and the misuse of public funds, irrespective of their status.

He added that measures had been taken to improve the efficiency of investigations into crimes and financial irregularities.

Minister Wijepala stressed that no fraudster or racketeer would be allowed to evade the law in the future, noting that investigative agencies had been strengthened and investigations expedited.

Meanwhile, he said all necessary measures had been taken to expedite the resolution of nearly 1.1 million pending cases in the country's judicial system.

The Government had also taken steps to increase the number of courts and judges to strengthen the judicial process, he added.

Furthermore, the Minister said that court sitting hours had been extended to reduce the time taken to conclude cases and ensure that the public received justice without undue delay.