Spate of shootings claims lives of 37 people so far this year

Sri Lanka has recently experienced a disturbing increase in shootings, resulting in a significant loss of lives and injuries.

According to police, there have been over 60 reported shooting incidents across the country since January, leading to the death of at least 37 individuals and leaving at least 30 others injured.

The latest shooting incident was reported in Haputale on Tuesday where a 42-year-old man employed at a restaurant at Beragala–Halie–Ela was shot dead after five people had barged into the restaurant and opened fire while the hotel owner and the employee were watching television.

The hotel owner, was injured in the shooting while a staff member died in the shooting.

Meanwhile, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that the majority of these shooting incidents are believed to be a result of disputes between organized criminal groups, although some have been attributed to personal conflicts. A significant number of the reported shootings are linked to these organized criminal groups, which are involved in various illicit activities such as drug trafficking and extortion.

While organized crime plays a significant role in these shootings, the police have also observed that personal disputes have contributed to some incidents. These disputes may arise from personal rivalries, conflicts over property, or other personal grievances.

Additionally, there have been six incidents of shootings without any fatalities or injuries, according to the spokesman.

Also, the tragic reality of shootings is that innocent individuals often find themselves becoming unintended victims. These individuals, who may be going about their daily lives, attending school, or simply enjoying a public space, are suddenly thrust into the chaos and devastation of a shooting incident.

In a similar incident, a 30-year old person who was returning home from work was injured following a shooting in Dehiwala last Saturday. Police said that the actual target of the shooting was someone else.

According to the police, three similar incidents have been reported this year.

SSP Nihal Thalduwa emphasized that the police are taking this issue seriously and have implemented measures to combat the rising number of shootings. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)