With 82 shootings, 44 deaths, and 48 injuries reported since January, Sri Lanka faces a wave of gun violence unlike anything in recent memory. IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya and the Malima government pledge to restore safety, but the persistence of organized crime networks raises doubts over whether current strategies can truly dismantle this deadly system.
One of the most pressing challenges for newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya is halting the surge of near-daily shootings across Sri Lanka, particularly in the Western and Southern provinces. These attacks have left the public living in fear, with the disturbing trend of shooters issuing warnings or hints on social media before carrying out attacks. Even when a shooting is targeted, bystanders are at risk, and the loss of an income earner can plunge entire families into crisis.
Before the Malima government took power, Deputy Minister of Defense Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara claimed that a period of “two poyas” would be sufficient to suppress such activities. Appointed with the promise of offering “tuition for national security,” he now faces a no-confidence motion. The government has sought to portray the shootings as internal clashes between criminal gangs rather than a national security crisis, insisting that steps have been taken to safeguard the public. But for many citizens, the constant gunfire undermines any sense of safety, as anyone in the wrong place at the wrong time could become a victim.
Within just 24 hours of IGP Weerasuriya assuming office on August 14, three separate shooting incidents were reported. In Meegoda, two masked men on a motorcycle fired shots into the air and fled. In Hanwella, a man was injured in a shooting and hospitalized. Another incident occurred in Minuwangoda. Police statistics show that between January 1 and today, there have been 82 shootings nationwide, leaving 44 dead and 48 injured. Of these, 62 were tied to organized crime, resulting in 39 deaths and 39 injuries.
Police Media Spokesperson ASP Udaya Kumara Woodler explained that most shootings are linked to turf wars between organized criminal networks. He said 52 gangs have been identified, many operating from abroad and using local drug addicts to carry out attacks. These are “network crimes” involving criminal organizations in Sri Lanka and overseas, motivated by money and control. Alarmingly, investigations have revealed the involvement of members of the police and armed forces, with 58 police officers arrested and suspended so far this year.
Since the new government came to power, police have extradited 11 suspects from abroad, with over 20 more placed on Interpol red notices. This year alone, 32 shooters have been arrested, and 1,516 firearms including T56 rifles, pistols, and revolvers have been seized. However, incidents continue to occur even in areas near police stations, with criminals carefully avoiding heavily guarded zones and striking with precision.
The police response includes both proactive and reactive measures. Proactive steps involve deploying officers as early as 4:30 am, working with public safety committees, and increasing police presence at the 608 stations across the country. Reactive measures include targeted raids, high-priority investigations, and joint operations with the Special Task Force (STF), State Intelligence Service (SIS), Army, Navy, and Air Force to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.
These combined operations have led to the seizure of 934 kilograms of heroin, 1,402 kilograms of crystal meth (ice), 422 kilograms of hashish, 27 kilograms of cocaine, 11,000 kilograms of cannabis, and 3.4 million narcotic tablets. Police have also arrested 35,579 people with day warrants and 23,600 with open warrants.
ASP Woodler emphasized that law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. The IGP is coordinating with the judiciary, Attorney General’s Department, and prison authorities to address systemic issues. He urged parents to watch for changes in their children’s behavior that could indicate involvement in crime and encouraged the public to report criminal activity to the hotline 071 8 598 888.
While police say progress is being made, the persistence of organized crime, the circulation of firearms for hire, and the adaptability of criminal networks mean the fight is far from over. For Sri Lankans caught in the crossfire, the question remains whether these strategies can truly deliver lasting safety.
