Sri Lanka has been grappling with a surge in gun violence and organised crime over the past two years that has left communities reeling and exposed deep cracks in the country’s social and political fabric.
While law enforcement agencies intensify their efforts to combat these issues, the root causes, ranging from economic instability to political complicity, highlight the complexity of the challenge.
Gun-related violence has become a pressing concern. In 2024, Sri Lanka recorded 103 targeted shooting incidents, with 56 tied to organised crime, resulting in 61 deaths and 47 injuries. Isolated incidents, such as family disputes, have accounted for another 47 shootings, of which 25 were noted to be domestic shootings.
In comparison, 2023 saw 120 organised shooting incidents, with 54 deaths and 65 injuries. A further 23 isolated incidents were also reported. Despite a slight decline in overall numbers in 2024, the statistics underscore a troubling persistence of violence, especially linked to organised crime.
In December 2024 alone, the Police reported 10 incidents of organised shooting incidents resulting in five deaths and five injuries. Three of the shooting incidents had not resulted in fatalities or injuries. The Police also reported six other isolated shooting incidents in December 2024, in which one person succumbed and another two were injured; four of the incidents did not result in any form of injury.
When questioned on the rising incidents of gun violence, Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manatunga told The Sunday Morning that when comparing the statistics of both years, the number of incidents in 2024 was comparatively lower. However, he added that the Police remained alert about the number of shooting incidents and committed to cracking down on the crime.
He also highlighted the multifaceted efforts to address this crisis: “We have issued (Interpol) Red Notices for 63 wanted criminals operating abroad, such as in Dubai, India, and Canada. We also seized a significant cache of firearms in the past three months, including 37 pistols, 36 revolvers, 20 T56 rifles, and 2,202 other weapons such as shotguns and ‘galkatas.’”
These operations, often led by the Special Task Force (STF), aim to disarm and dismantle criminal networks that have thrived in recent years.
He also elaborated on the crackdown of criminals in possession of illicit firearms in the past three months. “In the past three months, we have targeted and arrested 56 persons, including a woman who had in her possession three firearms,” he said, asserting that the Police would continue ongoing efforts to bring to book those in possession of illegal firearms.
Complex web of politics and crime
The rise in organised crime is deeply intertwined with political complicity, according to Rev. Father Nandana Manatunga of the Human Rights Office of the Kandy Diocese.
“The underworld was created by politicians for their own gain,” he asserted. “Thugs and drug lords often have political connections, which is how they acquire weapons and operate with impunity.”
According to Rev. Manatunga, many underworld figures have been released from prison in exchange for favours to politicians, perpetuating a cycle of crime and corruption. While acknowledging the new Government’s apparent lack of direct ties to these networks, he cautioned that dismantling the underworld would take time and sustained effort.
Role of economic instability
The country’s ongoing economic crisis and the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated these issues.
Attorney-at-Law and Sri Lanka Reconciliation Movement (SLRM) Head of Strategy Nahdiya Nasoordeen links the rise in gun violence to a broader sense of disillusionment with the State.
“Many people feel that the State has failed them. The rise in gun use may stem from a belief that legal avenues are ineffective and that they must take matters into their own hands for protection,” Nasoordeen explained.
This mindset, she argues, reflects a breakdown in trust between citizens and the enforcement system, emboldening individuals to resort to violence. Additionally, the increase in drug use has created a more volatile environment, further fuelling gun-related crimes.
Enforcement gap
While laws against gun possession exist, enforcement remains a critical issue. “Insufficient enforcement allows this problem to persist,” Nasoordeen pointed out. “People feel there is little to fear from the legal system, which only exacerbates the issue.”
This sentiment aligns with broader concerns about systemic weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s law enforcement and judicial systems. The failure to hold perpetrators accountable not only emboldens criminals but also erodes public confidence in the State’s ability to maintain law and order.
SSP Manatunga explained that the Police must follow a procedure set out in law and that it formulated strategies in line with what the law permitted. “We will definitely continue ongoing efforts and, of course, we also have other plans which we will effectuate in time to come to crack down on the crimes being committed,” he said.
“We have weekly meetings at the Ministry of Public Security, which our Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) attends, and we discuss and strategise on how we approach these issues,” he added.
Targeting prison networks
Recognising that prisons often serve as operational hubs for organised crime, the Sri Lanka Police, STF, and Prisons Department have joined hands and intensified efforts to disrupt illegal activities within these facilities.
In recent months, they have confiscated 234 mobile phones and 163 SIM cards from inmates, according to SSP Manatunga, cutting off key communication channels between prisoners and their associates outside.
“We are focused on preventing further communication between prisoners and the underworld,” he said, adding that these measures were part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks and restore public safety.
Crisis of governance and accountability
The persistence of organised crime and gun violence reflects deeper governance challenges. Rev. Manatunga believes that political accountability is crucial in addressing these issues. “As long as politicians who enable these networks face no consequences, the problem will persist,” he said.
Nasoordeen echoed these concerns, emphasising the need for structural reform. “The State must demonstrate its commitment to enforcing laws and protecting its citizens,” she said. “Only then can we begin to rebuild trust and reduce violence.”
Public safety initiatives
Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. Weekly coordination meetings between the Ministry of Public Security and senior Police officials have resulted in adaptive strategies to address emerging threats, SSP Manatunga reflected.
Law enforcement agencies have also leveraged international partnerships, such as issuing Interpol Red Notices, to track and apprehend fugitives abroad.
“We are committed to implementing long-term plans under the leadership of the Police Chief,” he said. “While the road ahead is long, we are determined to ensure public safety and dismantle organised crime.”
Human cost of violence
The impact of gun violence extends far beyond the immediate victims, destabilising communities and eroding trust in institutions. Families of victims often live in fear of retaliation, while witnesses and law enforcement personnel face significant risks.
“Gun violence is a symptom of deeper societal issues; it destabilises communities and undermines the rule of law, making it harder to rebuild trust and stability,” Nasoordeen said.
Addressing gun violence and organised crime in Sri Lanka requires a multi-pronged approach that goes beyond policing. Structural reforms to tackle corruption, improve socioeconomic conditions, and promote education are essential.
Both Rev. Manatunga and Nasoordeen stressed the importance of political will and public accountability. “The Government must prioritise systemic reforms and demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law,” Nasoordeen said.
When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala refused to comment on the matter.