A new division dedicated to investigating proceeds generated from criminal activities is scheduled to be officially opened today (20).
The unit, established within the old Police Headquarters building, will be inaugurated this morning under the patronage of Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala.
Formed under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act No. 5 of 2025, the new division will be responsible for conducting investigations into illegally obtained money, property, and other assets.
The division will operate under a Director General, with a Deputy Director General also appointed to assist in its work. Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) Asanga Karavita has been appointed as the Director General for a three-year term, with the approval of the National Police Commission. He currently also serves as the SDIG in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Financial Crimes Division.
According to the Act, the Proceeds of Crime Investigation Division is mandated to provide assistance to ongoing investigations involving 34 state institutions.
In addition, the division is legally empowered to investigate any form of illicit asset accumulation and to file civil cases concerning non-criminal earnings of questionable origin, the Police Headquarters said.
The public will also be able to directly lodge complaints with the division. The new unit will have the authority to freeze or seize unlawfully acquired assets for up to 30 days pending further investigation.
