Gun violence continues unabated with 28 shot dead

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

A rise in shootings linked to the underworld and drug trafficking continues to alarm the public, with the latest incident in Mount Lavinia adding to growing concerns over safety. 

On Monday morning, a 19-year-old youth was gunned down in broad daylight near Beach Road on the Colombo–Galle Road in Mount Lavinia. CCTV footage shows two armed assailants on a motorcycle chasing and repeatedly firing at the victim in full view of bystanders on the busy road.   

The victim, a resident of Auburn Place in Dehiwala, was critically injured and rushed to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after admission. Police said that the gunmen fled the scene immediately after the attack. Investigations are underway to identify the suspects and establish the motive behind the shooting.   

According to police, Monday’s attack was the 42nd shooting reported this year, resulting in 28 deaths and 23 injuries.  

Of these, 28 incidents have been linked to organised crime, with 24 of the fatalities believed to be tied to underworld activity.   

So far, 94 suspects have been arrested in connection with the shootings reported in 2025, according to the police.   

In response to the surge in gang-related violence, authorities have ramped up efforts to bring back high-profile criminals operating abroad.   

Police said that 11 wanted underworld figures have been extradited to Sri Lanka in the past seven months.   

They said that steps are being taken to repatriate another 20 suspects believed to be residing overseas.