Hired killers available for cash or drugs

-- Contract ranges between Rs.400,000 to Rs.500,000

--Majority of shootings carried out by hired gunmen addicted to drugs

--Nationwide anti-drug operation to begin today (October 30)

Recent police investigations have revealed that the majority of shootings reported across Sri Lanka were carried out by hired gunmen, many of whom had no connection to the victims.

According to investigators, these contract killers are often individuals addicted to drugs who agree to commit shootings for payment, primarily to fund their drug habits.

Police sources said many killings are being commissioned for as little as Rs. 400,000-500,000, and in some instances, shooters were paid with narcotics instead of cash.

Since January this year, Sri Lanka has witnessed over 100 shootings, resulting in 52 deaths, including several innocent bystanders. Of the 103 shootings reported, 76 have been linked to organised criminal activity.

Police said that out of 103 reported shootings this year, 76 are connected to organised criminal activity.

Despite a series of operations and special task forces being deployed to dismantle organised criminal networks, authorities admit that more pro-active measures are needed to address the growing issue.

Police sources said a coordinated programme is being planned to raise public awareness and to rehabilitate individuals vulnerable to being recruited by organised criminal groups.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesman F.U. Wootler told the Daily Mirror that recognising the widespread use of dangerous drugs as a national menace contributing to numerous crimes across Sri Lanka, the government has scheduled a national-level programme to address the issue

He said the main objective of the National Anti-Drug Operation, which is scheduled to commence today ( October 30 ) under the patronage of the President, and themed “Nation United – National Drive,” is to carry out island-wide raids and rehabilitation programmes.

The spokesman said that special raids will be conducted to identify individuals addicted to drugs, who will then be directed to rehabilitation. However, he noted that legal action will first be taken against those found to have engaged in criminal activities.

Law enforcement officials said that tackling the root causes, particularly drug addiction and the exploitation of addicts by underworld figures, is essential to curb the rise in contract killings.

The recent fatal shooting in Weligama, which resulted in the death of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara at his office, highlights the severity of the ongoing issue.

Police investigations have revealed that the killing was carried out under a Rs. 1.5 million contract received from Dubai and that the money had been paid to the killer in cash prior to the murder.

The information came to light during the interrogation of the gunman, who was arrested in Nawinna, Maharagama.

Investigation revealed that the gunman is suspected to have been heavily addicted to heroin.

The gunman, his wife, the motorcycle rider, and the person who provided accommodation are currently being detained for 72 hours for questioning, while three others suspected of aiding and abetting the crime are being held for 48 hours.

The Financial Crimes Investigation Division has also launched a parallel investigation into the suspects.

In February 2025, an organized criminal Ganemulle Sanjeewa was shot dead inside the courtroom of the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court in Colombo. The suspect later confessed that the killing was carried out under a contract worth Rs. 15 million, although only a fraction (around Rs. 200,000) was paid up-front. Investigations revealed that organized criminal ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ who was brought to Sri Lanka, had allegedly ordered the shooting.

The suspected gunman was identified as Samindu Dilshan Piyumanga, a former army commando. It was reported that he was addicted to the drug "Ice" (crystal methamphetamine) and appeared to be under its influence at the time of his arrest.

According to reports, Ishara Sewwandi, who supplied the firearm, recruited the gunman, taking advantage of his drug addiction. It was reported that she began a relationship with him in November 2024 and supplied him with drugs to motivate his involvement in the killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

On 18 February 2025 in Middeniya, Aruna Vidanagamage and his six-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son were ambushed and killed. Investigations revealed that the attack was a contract hit valued at Rs. 500,000, with Rs. 250,000 transferred in advance from overseas.

Investigations revealed that the gunman and accomplices were acting on orders from a drug-trafficking figure “Backhoe Saman” who was recently arrested in Indonesia and brought to Sri Lanka.