Operation Yukthiya Explained

Place:Sri Lanka
Date:17 December 2023 – present
Combatant1: Sri Lanka
Combatant2:Drug dealers
Commander2:Unknown
Casualties3:38,525 suspects arrested
Conflict:Operation Yukthiya
Status:Ongoing

Operation Yukthiya is an ongoing anti-drug operation conducted by the Sri Lankan Police following directives from the Ministry of Public Security.[1] Starting from 17 December 2023, the police, the Special Task Force and the Sri Lankan Army carried out islandwide raids with 38,525 suspects being arrested as of 17 January 2024.[2] Authorities have seized hundreds of kilograms of illegal drugs, valued at approximately 4.7 billion Sri Lankan rupees. Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles stated that crime rates across the country fell by 17% within the first month of the operation.[3]

The operation has notably drawn criticism from the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and various other human rights groups,[4] [5] who have expressed concerns over the mass arrests and potential human rights violations.[6] [7] Tiran Alles has dismissed the criticism and reaffirmed his commitment to the operation.[8]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: December 18, 2023 . Police commence operation 'Yukthiya' to eradicate drugs and underworld . January 21, 2024 . Daily FT.
  2. News: January 21, 2024 . One month into 'Yukthiya', authorities hail it as a success . January 22, 2024 . The Sunday Times.
  3. News: January 19, 2024 . Crime rate down 17% due to 'Yukthiya'– Minister Alles . January 22, 2024 . Ceylon Today.
  4. News: January 16, 2024 . Pressure mounts on govt. to halt Operation Yukthiya . January 22, 2024 . The Island.
  5. Web site: January 15, 2024 . Sri Lanka: Stop Abusive Anti-Drug Operation and Release Those Arbitrarily Detained . January 22, 2024 . Human Rights Watch.
  6. Web site: January 22, 2024 . UN experts call on Sri Lanka to immediately suspend and review 'Yukthiya' anti-drug operation . January 22, 2024 . Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
  7. Web site: January 8, 2024 . The 'Yukthiya' Operation – Press Notice No: HRC/P/i/E/08/01/24 . January 21, 2024 . Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.
  8. News: January 22, 2024 . Minister Alles says 'Yukthiya' operation will continue . January 22, 2024 . Ceylon Today.