Sri Lanka is pursuing diplomatic measures with foreign governments to bring wanted suspects located overseas back to the country, according to Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
Speaking at the Cabinet decisions media briefing on September 1, Jayatissa said the locations of 35 suspects living overseas have been identified and diplomatic efforts are underway with the relevant countries to secure their return.
He said 66 wanted individuals had been brought back to Sri Lanka during the previous two years.
According to the Minister, 28 of those were organised-crime suspects who were subject to Interpol Red Notices, while the remaining 38 comprised organised-crime suspects and people wanted in connection with other offences.
Jayatissa further said the Government has obtained 110 Interpol Red Notices since taking office, including 55 concerning organised criminals and drug traffickers.
These figures are Government statements made at the Cabinet media briefing.
Diplomatic efforts to return suspects should not be interpreted as confirmation that all 35 will be extradited or deported. The applicable legal mechanism may differ according to the country, immigration status, alleged offence and other legal circumstances.
Likewise, being wanted by Sri Lankan authorities or being subject to an Interpol notice does not by itself establish guilt. Criminal responsibility remains a matter for the relevant legal process.