Sri Lanka is grappling with a sharp rise in gun violence, with 42 shooting incidents and 25 related deaths reported across the country so far this year, raising serious concerns over public safety.
The surge in crime has alarmed both the public and officials, particularly over the ease with which gunmen—often riding motorcycles—carry out attacks and flee.
Police say that most of these killings are linked to an ongoing drug war between rival underworld gangs.
The most recent incidents highlight the escalating danger:
3 May: One person was killed and another injured when two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire with a T56 firearm near a restaurant in Meetiyagoda.
4 May: A candidate contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections was hospitalized after being shot in Nagoda, Kalutara.
5 May: A 19-year-old youth was shot dead early in the morning on Beach Road, Mount Lavinia. CCTV footage showed the victim being chased and shot by an armed assailant.
Opposition MP Harsha de Silva voiced frustration on X, questioning the response of law enforcement:
“What is Sri Lanka Police doing? Again this morning a 19-year-old is seen running being chased by a gunman at Mount junction. He is then shot and killed. I don’t recall the number of shootings in the last few months. Utter failure in keeping #SriLanka safe Pres @anuradisanayake.”
Calls for stronger action has been growing, with the government and Police under mounting pressure from various quarters to restore public confidence in law and order. (Newswire)
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