A man was shot dead inside a court in Colombo's main court complex, in the most daring murder to have taken part in Sri Lanka's capital in recent months amidst a surge in shooting incidents, raising concerns about the country's safety and security.
The suspect, Sanjeewa Kumara, also known as 'Ganemulla Sanjeeva,' had been in custody since September 2023 following his arrest at Sri Lanka's main airport. He was previously arrested on charges of arms trafficking but had managed to flee the country after his release.
The assassination was carried out by a gunman disguised as a lawyer, highlighting the audacity and brazenness of the criminal elements involved. Sri Lanka’s Derana Television aired footage of the deceased suspect.
This incident is one among a series of killings by rival gangs that have plagued the island. In the first 16 days of this year alone, five shooting incidents have been reported, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and injuries to four others. Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa has issued a statement urging Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake and relevant law enforcement authorities to take swift action to curtail the growing number of shootings.
Premadasa claimed that criminal activities are being orchestrated by individuals residing overseas. According to the Sri Lankan Police Department, INTERPOL Red Notices have been issued for 188 criminals, with 63 of them being responsible for underworld activities, murders, and ransoms in Sri Lanka. The increase in such crimes is causing fear and disrupting the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
In another incident, a 39-year-old man and his 6-year-old daughter and son were killed in a shooting at Kadewatta Junction in Middeniya. The man, along with his daughter and son, was traveling on a motorcycle when an unidentified gunman opened fire on them. The injured children were rushed to hospitals, with the daughter succumbing to her injuries at Tangalle Hospital and the son being treated at Embilipitiya Hospital. The victims were residents of Galpottha, and police suspect a T-56 type firearm was used in the shooting.