Shootings linked to organised crimes claim 66 lives in 2024-2025

A troubling rise in shootings linked to organised crime has left 66 people dead in over 100 incidents reported across the country since January 2024. Of these, 13 deaths occurred in organised crime-related shootings involving the underworld in the last three months alone.

Despite intensified efforts to combat violence, challenges persist, including the involvement of overseas-based traffickers and corruption within the prison system.

According to the data, organised crime-related violence surged in late 2024, with 10 fatalities and four injuries reported in 13 separate shootings between October and December. Three more victims were killed in shooting incidents in early January 2025.

The shootings took place in several areas, including Ambalangoda, Mount Lavinia, Dikwella, Padaviya, Gampaha, Kandana, Meegoda, Maradana, Meetiyagoda, Ja-Ela, Galle, Seeduwa, Weligama and Ahungalla.

The most recent shooting occurred on January 9 in Ahungalla, where a man was injured after being shot by two individuals on a motorcycle. The victim, identified as the President of the Ahungalla Three-Wheeler Association, is reportedly related to Sujeewa Ruwankumara, a known underworld figure known as ‘Loku Patty.’

In 2024, a total of 103 shooting incidents were recorded, with 56 linked to underworld activities. Of the 63 victims, 45 were connected to organised crime. Police have arrested more than 50 suspects in connection with these incidents and recovered 20 T-56 firearms during investigations.

In response to the rise in organised crime and shootings, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala directed the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take immediate action to address the issue. He has also ordered the involvement of the Special Task Force (STF) in investigations and operations where necessary.

Efforts to combat organised crime have been challenging due to the involvement of overseas-based drug traffickers, who continue to direct operations from abroad, including ordering murders and ransom-related crimes. Corruption within the prison system, where some traffickers continue to orchestrate criminal activities, has also hampered efforts.

To address the issue, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has earlier instructed officials to take swift action to tackle drug trafficking and the underworld influence within prisons.