Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa on Saturday criticized the government over what he described as a serious deterioration in law and order, citing a surge in shootings, controversial customs clearances, and a disputed prison release.
Rajapaksa pointed to 50 reported daylight shootings since January, a figure he said reflected growing insecurity across the country. Police have attributed many of these incidents to organized criminal activity.
He also referred to the release of 323 containers in January without inspection, raising concerns over customs and border control practices.
In another incident, an inmate convicted of financial fraud was reportedly released under a presidential pardon during Vesak. The Presidential Media Division has since denied the inmate was approved for release, prompting a CID inquiry into how he was freed. Rajapaksa questioned whether prison authorities had acted independently.
“This is the state of law and order today,” Rajapaksa said, adding that the National People’s Power (NPP), which had once championed good governance, has lost its grip on the country just six months into its administration. (Newswire)