Sri Lanka battles gun violence, road accidents, drug trafficking

Sri Lanka is witnessing a troubling spike in both gun violence and road fatalities, with over 1,000 deaths on the roads and dozens killed in 46 shooting incidents so far this year.

Police said a total of 46 shooting incidents have been reported across the country since January 1 this year, raising serious concerns over ongoing rivalries among underworld gangs.

At least 30 people have died in these shootings while dozens of others have been injured.

According to police, 31 of these incidents have been linked to organized crime groups.

Police said special investigations have been launched into these cases, leading to the arrest of more than 100 suspects believed to be key figures behind the violence.

Police also siezed 27 pistols, 14 T-56 assault rifles, and 41 other illegally possessed firearms during these investigations.

In just the past 48 hours, three shootings were reported in Narahenpita, Bloemendhal and Dehiwala. On Saturday night, two men on a motorcycle opened fire on a vehicle carrying Thusitha Halloluwa and his lawyer on Dabare Mawatha, Narahenpita. In another incident on Bloemendhal Road, one person was injured and hospitalised following a shooting. A third shooting occurred yesterday, when two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire at a shop in Nedimala, Dehiwala.

Police said the majority of these shootings stem from disputes among underworld figures, often connected to drug trafficking operations involving both local and overseas networks.

Police said they are continuing transnational operations to arrest key drug traffickers, with efforts underway to extradite suspects from abroad.

Between January 1 and May 18, 2025, police have confiscated 402 kgs of heroin, 853 kgs of Crystal methamphetamine also known as 'ice' and 7,267 kgs of cannabis.

Nearly 66,000 suspects involved in drug-related activities have been arrested and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that there has been a spike in road traffic accidents as well.

A total of 944 fatal accidents have been reported so far this year, resulting in 1,007 deaths.

He said to curb reckless driving, the Sri Lanka Police has intensified traffic operations.

From January 1 to May 18, police arrested 26,413 individuals for driving under the influence of liquor and pursued legal action in 1,377 cases of reckless driving.

SSP Manathunga said that law enforcement alone is not enough to curb accidents. 

“No matter how many arrests we make, the public must also play a responsible role by adhering to traffic laws to help reduce road accidents,” he said.