Gun Violence Surge : 27 Shootings, 22 dead in Sri Lanka since January
Sri Lanka has witnessed a spike in gun violence since the start of 2025, with Police reporting 27 shooting incidents resulting in 22 deaths and multiple injuries across the country.
The wave of violence began in early January and has continued into March, with incidents reported in key areas including Mount Lavinia, Mannar, Galle, Kotahena, and Devinuwara. Victims have included civilians, alleged gang affiliates, and a former prison official.
Among the most notable incidents was the February 19 killing of a man and his two children in Middeniya, and the high-profile courtroom assassination of underworld figure Ganemulla Sanjeewa in Hulftsdorp.
