High Commission of India
Colombo

 PRESS RELEASE

 05^th DG Level Talks between Narcotics Control Agencies of India and Sri Lanka held in Colombo, Sri Lanka

          1. 05^th DG Level Talks between Narcotics Control Agencies of India and Sri Lanka was held on 23^rd September 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

2. 2. The talks build on the renewed emphasis on bilateral security cooperation during Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi’s State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, particularly on combating illicit drug trafficking. It has added significance following President of Sri Lanka H.E. Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent call for India’s fullest support in combating illicit drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean region during his meeting with Hon. Defence Minister of India Shri Rajnath Singh in Colombo on 9 September 2026.
   
   
3. 3. The Indian delegation at the 5^thDG Level Talks, was led by R. Sudhakar, Deputy Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Sri Lankan delegation was led by Mr K.D.G.L. Ashoka Dharamasena, DIG, PNB, Sri Lanka Police. Indian delegation consisted of officials from Tamil Nadu Police, Indian Coast Guard, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), apart from NCB officials. While, Sri Lankan delegation consisted of officials from Attorney General Department, Sri Lanka Customs, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Government Analyst Department, Special Task Force, Sri Lanka Navy, NDDCB, Financial Intelligence Unit and other than PNB officials.
   
   
4. 4. The two sides reviewed emerging trends in drug trafficking, particularly trafficking through maritime routes, tracing organized criminals, coordinating operational efforts in intelligence and investigation of organized crime etc. Actionable intelligence on Drug Trafficking Operatives, routes & mechanism was also shared.
   
   
5. 5. Both sides agreed to further strengthen institutional cooperation and coordination between their drug law-enforcement agencies to effectively address the evolving challenges posed by illicit narcotics trafficking.

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Colombo
23 September 2026