A 45-year-old suspect arrested with a stock of ICE narcotics in Elakanda this week has been identified as a suspect wanted in connection with several robberies and shootings reported across Sri Lanka. 

According to the Police, the suspect was arrested on Monday (22) by a team of officers from the Kelaniya Division Criminal Investigation Department, during a special operation in the Elakanda area of the Wattala Police Division.

At the time of the arrest, the 45-year-old male suspect from North Mulleriyawa was in possession of 10.2 grams of ICE narcotics, with the intention of selling them.

The suspect was produced before the Welisara Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (23) and placed in Police custody for 07 days under a detention order.

Upon further interrogation conducted by the officers, it was revealed that this suspect is involved in a series of crimes, including armed robberies and shootings in various areas. 

Furthermore, it was uncovered that he is a person connected to three organized criminals and drug traffickers who are currently evading law enforcement and residing overseas. 

The list of crimes revealed by the suspect at the time of his arrest is as follows:

• Snatching a gold chain from a woman in the Kiribathgoda area on 30th June 2025.
• Motorcyclist involved in the crime of shooting to death an individual and injuring two others in Kandana on 03rd July 2025.
• Gunman in the incident where a house was shot at in Kanadana on 07th August 2025.
• Gunman in the incident where a house was shot at in Negombo on 06th September 2025. 

Further investigations have found that the suspect had operated on the directives of three underworld and drug traffickers residing overseas. 

A motorcycle used by the suspect to carry out the crimes has been taken into Police Custody and handed over to the Wattala Police Station. 

The Kelaniya Division Criminal Investigation Department is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Two suspects have been arrested over various crimes, including the recent shootings in the Hirana and Pinwatte areas in Panadura.

According to the Police, a 38-year-old man from Arukgoda was arrested on Sunday with 02.2 grams of ICE, 07 mobile phones and a motorcycle. 

The suspect was arrested in Arukgoda, following a raid conducted by officials from the Kalutara Crimes Division.

Following interrogations, the suspect was found to be the gunman in the shooting incident in Hirana in July, in which an individual was injured, while he had also aided the shooting targeting a house in the Pinwatte area in May this year

Based on information from the suspect, the officials arrested another 38-year-old man from Horana in the Batuwita area yesterday. 

The officers seized 2.1 grams of ICE, a T-56 firearm, and 30 live ammunition for the weapon. 

The Kalutara Crimes Division is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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A total of 82 shootings have been reported in Sri Lanka so far in 2025, the Police said. 

According to the Police Media Unit, 44 deaths have been reported in the shootings. 

The Police further said that 48 persons had sustained injuries in the shooting incidents. 

Among the shootings, 62 are linked to disputes between organized criminals, and 20 are related to other issues. (Newswire)

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A total of 66 shootings have been reported in Sri Lanka from 01 January to 11 July this year.

According to the Police Headquarters, among the shootings, 48 are linked to underworld gangs. 

The Police further said that a total of 37 individuals have died in those shootings, while 37 have sustained injuries. 

Meanwhile, five shootings have been reported in the Panadura South and Hiran Police Divisions in Panadura in the last two and a half months. 

One person was reported dead and five were injured in the Panadura shootings. 

The Police said that the shootings are a result of a dispute between underworld figures Kudu Salindhu and Panadura Nilanga. (Newswire)

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A total of 46 shootings have been reported across the nation between 01 January to date this year, Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said. 

Addressing the media today, SSP Manatunga said that 31 of the shootings had been orchestrated by organized gangs. 

He further said that investigations have been launched into the shootings and steps are being taken to arrest those involved. 

Over 100 suspects have been arrested so far in connection with these 31 shootings, the Police Spokesman said.

“We have also seized 41 firearms, including 27 pistols and 14 T-56 weapons linked to the shootings. The Police have taken custody of these illegal firearms,” he added. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has witnessed a spike in gun violence since the start of 2025, with Police reporting 27 shooting incidents resulting in 22 deaths and multiple injuries across the country.

The wave of violence began in early January and has continued into March, with incidents reported in key areas including Mount Lavinia, Mannar, Galle, Kotahena, and Devinuwara. Victims have included civilians, alleged gang affiliates, and a former prison official.

Among the most notable incidents was the February 19 killing of a man and his two children in Middeniya, and the high-profile courtroom assassination of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa in Hulftsdorp. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala briefed the Parliament today on the progress of investigations into the recent shootings in Middeniya and Colombo.

Addressing the Parliament, Minister Wijepala said the shootings were a result of disputes between various underworld gangs. 

He further assured that national security has not been affected due to the recent shootings. 

Ganemulla Sanjeewa shooting;

Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the main shooter was arrested within 08 hours of the shooting.

Stating that the Police are conducting investigations into the shooting, he further commended the Police for their swift action in apprehending the suspect. 

The minister said that a Police Constable has also been arrested for assisting the suspects involved in the shooting.

Revealing details on the shooter, the minister said that he had escaped using a three-wheeler taxi service and had gotten off in Pettah, where he had discarded a bag with clothing.

He further said that the female suspect had arrived in another vehicle at the court premises and that investigations were underway to apprehend her. 

Investigations into the van used by the shooter to flee to Puttalam have been inspected by the Police, with a probe underway into the ownership. 

The Motor Traffic Department inspected the chassis and engine of the vehicle, during which it was found to have used a fake number plate, he said.

Further investigations have found that the shooter and female suspect had stayed at a lodge in Kaduwela before the shooting, with the place being inspected by the Police and CCTV footage showing a white colour car dropping off a parcel.

A person had arrived in a white colour car and had handed over a parcel to the suspects, which is suspected to have contained the firearm and lawyer attires used to carry out the crime, the minister revealed. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala further said that statements have been recorded from various persons, including Police and military officers on duty at the courts at the time of the incident. 

The minister also clarified that this was not the first shooting inside a courthouse as claimed by the opposition.

He assured that the government was taking the matter seriously and was addressing the rise in crime.

Minister Ananda Wijepala emphasized that national security was not at risk, pointing out that such incidents had occurred in the past as well. (Newswire)

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Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera says the Speaker, as the guardian of the Members of Parliament, must take responsibility if a Parliamentarian is murdered.

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Jayasekera said the murder of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa was the first shooting of a person on a witness stand inside a courthouse.

Questioning why the Police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel had done nothing at the time of the incident, the MP said it raised doubts about help from within, urging the government to investigate this. 

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera pointed out that this shooting incident has thrown Sri Lanka’s national security at risk. 

“The government recently said it will address the issue of underworld activities. Since then, within 04 Poya days a total of 13 shootings and 12 deaths, including that of two innocent children, have been reported,” he said. 

The Opposition MP said, however, that the government is still stating there were no issues regarding national security.

Highlighting the circular issued announcing the removal of security for judges, MP Jayasekera questioned how the government expects judges to issue verdicts against drug lords and organized criminals.

He also pointed out the risks faced by Parliamentarians under the current circumstances, stating that the Speaker is responsible for the lives of Members of Parliament as they do not have security or protection.

“We are not requesting for security. But we are not ready to be shot dead by other persons. The government must consider this situation seriously,” he stressed. (Newswire)

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Chief Government Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has assured that the government will take stern action to address the rise in crimes, especially shootings in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayatissa said the government will not allow the rise of underworld activities and will implement strict measures to address the issue. 

He further outlined that as initial steps the Defence Ministry has already recalled weapons issued by the government and a significant number of firearms have been returned, adding that investigations are underway in this regard.

The minister further said that the government has also taken steps to bring back criminals who had sought refuge in India and Dubai, with investigations underway.

Stating that several more measures have already been taken to curtail crime, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa assured that the government will strongly intervene to address the issue. 

He made the remarks in response to a question raised by Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera on the rise in crime and the lack of security in the nation, highlighting today’s shooting of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside a Colombo Court. 

Pointing out that over 70 shootings have been reported so far, MP Jayasekera urged the government and the Parliament to take serious consideration of the situation.

Also commenting on the matter, Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa said the opposition was prepared to extend its support to the government to curtail crime in Sri Lanka and ensure law and stability. 

MP Premadasa said shootings and murders have become a daily occurrence in Sri Lanka at present, with children also becoming victims, adding that the country has fallen to a state where the courts are also unsafe following today’s incident.

Highlighting that this was a serious issue, the Opposition Leader urged the government to take even more stringent measures to curtail crime and to make a special statement on the measures taken to address the issue. (Newswire)

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A total of 30 shooting incidents have been reported in various parts of Sri Lanka between January 01 and March 12 this year, the Police said. 

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that 21 persons were reported dead and 14 have been injured in the reported shootings. 

He further said that information has come to light that 17 of the shooting incidents had been carried out by organized criminal gangs operating in Sri Lanka. 

DIG Thalduwa added that the remaining 13 shooting incidents had occurred over personal disputes. (NewsWire)

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A total of 83 murders have been reported so far in Sri Lanka this year (2024), according to the Police.

Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa told the media that the deaths were reported in 76 incidents reported during this period. 

He further said that from January to date, a total of 1,180 incidents of theft and 310 cases of robberies have been reported.

Stating that 20 shootings have been reported so far this year, DIG Thalduwa said 10 of the incidents are suspected to be linked to organized criminals. 

The Police Spokesman, however, assured that the Sri Lanka Police has taken several measures to curb crime in the country. (NewsWire)

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Three more suspects have been nabbed for aiding and abetting the shootings in Beliatta in which five persons were killed recently.

The Police said two suspects were apprehended in the Hungama Police Division, while one suspect was arrested in the Matara Police Division on Monday (Jan 29).

The arrested suspects are aged 28, 42, and 58 years, and are residents of Negombo, Alawwa, and Boossa. 

The Police said the suspects had aided in disposing of the T-56 firearm that was used in the shootings, while they had also been involved in the cash transfers made in connection to the shootings. 

The suspects have been handed over to the Beliatta Police for further investigations into the incident. 

Five persons, including the Leader of the ‘Our Peoples Party’ Saman Perera were killed in the mass shooting in Beliatta on January 22, 2024. (NewsWire)

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Two more individuals, suspected to have aided and abetted the Beliatta multiple murders, have been arrested. 

The Police said the suspects were arrested by the Police Special Task Force in Wanchawala, Galle. 

The suspects were reportedly found to be in possession of a stock of heroin at the time of their arrest. 

Meanwhile, more information has been revealed on the mass murder following interrogations of the suspect ‘Saman Kumara’ who was arrested on Wednesday in connection to the shooting.

The suspect, who operated as the driver of the SUV at the time of the shootings, has revealed that there were two shooters involved in the incident and that they were both dropped off at Akuressa and Kamburupitiya following the incident.

Furthermore, a motorcycle and a minivan were found based on the suspect’s confession, with the motorcycle being used to transport the weapons used in the shooting, and the minivan for the suspects to escape following the murders.

The suspect has further divulged that he was contacted by a shooter working for an underworld figure living in Dubai, and plans were made to carry out the murders near the Tangalle Magistrate’s Court. 

Five persons, including the Leader of the ‘Our Peoples Party’ Saman Perera were killed in the shootings carried out in Beliatta on Monday (Jan 22). (NewsWire)

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