Sri Lanka Records 76 Shootings in 2025, Raising Grave Public Safety Concerns

Sri Lanka has witnessed a shocking surge in gun violence with 76 shooting incidents recorded across the island so far in 2025, resulting in 41 deaths and 43 injuries, according to official police statistics. The latest incident occurred on August 3 in Kapugoda, Matara, where a 48-year-old businessman was injured in an attack involving unidentified assailants on a motorcycle using a T-56 assault rifle.

Crisis Reaches Alarming Proportions

The escalating violence has reached unprecedented levels since the beginning of 2025, with the death toll steadily climbing from 22 fatalities in 27 incidents by March to the current figure of 41 deaths. Police data reveals that the majority of these shootings - approximately 50 out of 68 incidents reported by mid-July are directly linked to organized criminal networks, while the remainder stem from personal disputes and land-related conflicts.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga confirmed that 31 of the first 46 shootings reported by May were orchestrated by organized gangs, with over 100 suspects arrested in connection with these incidents. The scale of the criminal enterprise is evident in the weapons seized: police have recovered 41 firearms including 27 pistols and 14 T-56 assault rifles, alongside 23 T-56 rifles, 46 pistols, and over 1,100 locally and foreign-manufactured firearms in broader operations.

Political Connections to Criminal Networks

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala made explosive revelations in Parliament, confirming that multiple senior politicians from major parties including the United National Party (UNP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) maintain direct links with at least 10 organized criminal gangs. The Minister disclosed that intelligence reports have identified former ministers, deputy ministers, current and former MPs, and regional political figures as being connected to these criminal networks.

"This country has long been influenced by criminal elements. We now have evidence of direct political involvement in these networks," Wijepala stated, adding that he was prepared to disclose names once police investigations are complete. The connections extend beyond politics, with evidence suggesting involvement from military personnel, government officials, and figures from various sectors including sports, entertainment, and business.

The "Hybrid Underworld" Phenomenon

Security analysts have identified the emergence of what they term a "hybrid underworld" - a sophisticated criminal network that operates using intellectual and technical strategies rather than traditional brute force. This network allegedly includes high-ranking politicians, government officials, military personnel, and professionals who provide the traditional criminal gangs with knowledge, expertise, and protection.

International Operations and Enforcement Challenges

Many key underworld figures have established operations from foreign countries, particularly Dubai and Singapore, where they coordinate criminal activities remotely. The government has issued 70 Red Notices through Interpol and successfully extradited 11 major suspects through diplomatic negotiations. However, challenges persist as these international criminal masterminds continue to direct operations including contract killings and drug trafficking from abroad.

The corruption within Sri Lanka's administrative and security systems has facilitated these escape routes, with officials from various departments allegedly accepting bribes to help criminals evade justice. Intelligence reports have uncovered specific assassination plots, including plans to kill suspended Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakoon and threats against other high-ranking officials.

Law Enforcement Response and Public Concerns

In response to the crisis, authorities have intensified operations across the country. Police have arrested 24 suspected gunmen, 15 getaway drivers, and 150 individuals who aided and abetted the shootings. A coordinated overnight operation in July resulted in over 300 arrests in the northern suburbs of Colombo, demonstrating the scale of the law enforcement response.

Despite these efforts, public confidence remains shaken. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has described the situation as a "national security crisis," questioning the government's concrete steps to ensure citizen safety. The violence has extended beyond criminal circles, with ordinary citizens increasingly caught in the crossfire of drug-related gang warfare.

Regional Distribution and Impact

The Western and Southern provinces have borne the brunt of the violence, with police confirming that most organized crime groups are based and active in these areas. Areas such as Mount Lavinia, Panadura, Ambalangoda, and Gampaha have experienced multiple incidents, creating an atmosphere of fear among residents.

A 38-year-old security guard from the Mount Lavinia area, speaking anonymously, described the local impact: "People avoid roads especially at night. There is no faith in the rule of law among people. The underworld has sprung up everywhere and it boldly carries out its killings and other activities".

Drug Trafficking Connection

Police investigations have revealed strong connections between the shootings and drug trafficking operations. Between January and July 2025, authorities confiscated substantial quantities of narcotics including 922 kg of heroin, 1,386 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 10,895 kg of cannabis, 22 kg of cocaine, and 329 kg of hashish. The violence often stems from disputes among criminal groups involved in the illicit drug trade.

Government's Multi-Pronged Strategy

The government has established a Special Task Force to address the infiltration of organized criminal activity into political and state institutions. A separate Central Criminal Investigation Division (CCID) has been created to relieve pressure on the existing Criminal Investigation Department (CID). All police stations are being linked to a centralized data system for real-time crime tracking.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged the military's embeddedness with underworld gangs, candidly speaking about how soldiers can commit murders and safely return to their barracks, shielded by political protection. This admission highlights the systemic nature of the problem and the need for comprehensive reforms.

Looking Forward

The surge in gun violence represents more than just a law enforcement challenge - it reflects deeper issues of political corruption, economic inequality, and institutional failure. As Minister Wijepala noted, while arrest operations continue, addressing the root causes requires "cleaning up the political system and improving governance in all areas".

The crisis has raised serious questions about investor and tourist confidence in Sri Lanka's security situation. With 76 shootings already recorded by early August, the country faces an urgent need for sustained, comprehensive action to restore public safety and rebuild trust in law enforcement institutions.

The government's promise to name politicians involved in criminal networks and its ongoing operations against organized crime will be closely watched as Sri Lanka grapples with this unprecedented surge in gun violence that has claimed 41 lives and left 43 injured in just eight months of 2025.