Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today raised concerns in Parliament over the government’s failure to address rising gun violence across Sri Lanka, stating that 79 shootings and 52 deaths have been reported in the past eight months.
Speaking under Standing Order 27(2), Premadasa questioned the government’s concrete steps to ensure the safety of citizens and uphold the rule of law.
“The primary duty of any government is to ensure the right to life of its citizens. However, this administration has clearly failed in preventing the current wave of shootings, killings, and threats,” he said.
The Opposition Leader noted that several MPs, including himself, had repeatedly questioned the government on the matter, but no effective solutions have been presented so far.
Premadasa described the issue as a national security crisis, stating that the rise in organized crime and violence poses a serious threat to public safety and undermines investor and tourist confidence. He also highlighted that ordinary citizens are being caught in the crossfire of drug-related gang violence, and criticized the government’s current anti-narcotics program as ineffective.
He further warned that threats have now extended to public officials and elected representatives. “Even the Head of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority was forced to resign due to death threats,” Premadasa added.
Premadasa called on both the Speaker and the Minister of Public Security to explain what measures are being taken to protect MPs and public servants who now face life-threatening risks. (Newswire)