The government says it is on high alert over an increasing number of crimes involving foreign nationals in Sri Lanka, following the recent abduction and murder of a Chinese national linked to a suspected rivalry between Chinese groups operating in Colombo.
According to the Daily Mirror, authorities are stepping up scrutiny of foreign nationals after a run of violent incidents and organised-crime cases raised public concern over criminal networks using the country as a base. Police have urged the public to report groups of foreign nationals living or operating suspiciously in apartments, houses or hotels to the nearest police station.
The heightened alert follows the killing of a Chinese national who was abducted during a violent confrontation at Colombo Port City, a case police believe may be tied to a transnational cyber-fraud operation. Two Chinese nationals were arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport as they allegedly attempted to leave the country, and investigators say several of those involved were not in lawful employment in Sri Lanka.
Officials say multiple separate cases with alleged links to foreign nationals — spanning suspected cyber-scam operations, illegal gambling and financial fraud — are now under investigation. The developments have prompted renewed calls to tighten immigration monitoring and visa enforcement to prevent Sri Lanka from being exploited by organised criminal groups.
The government said coordinated action across the police, immigration authorities and other agencies would continue as inquiries proceed.
