Despite 79 shootings, 52 deaths, and 35 injuries recorded over just seven months ending September 21 last year, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala insists that Sri Lanka is not facing a significant rise in crime.
Speaking in Parliament today, the minister claimed the numbers are not a spike, but part of a continuing battle against the drug trade and organized underworld.
“Our courage to suppress the underworld has not diminished, not even by a tenth,” Wijepala declared. “We are following a strategic vision and plan, targeting both narcotics and criminal networks.”
He emphasized that every shooting is taken seriously, and no life is considered insignificant, despite public concerns over growing violence.
While critics might question how 79 shootings in just over half a year could be considered “stable,” the government maintains that tough, high-level decisions have been made to crack down on gang violence and drug-linked crime.
Whether this explanation reassures the public or raises more alarm remains to be seen.
