In a stark warning over the deepening lawlessness in Sri Lanka, Wimal Weerawansa, a known Sinhala nationalist and former parliamentarian, has condemned what he describes as how the island's criminal underworld has come to run it.
Speaking to the media, Weerawansa lamented the erosion of justice and public safety, stating that notorious underworld figures are now operating as de facto enforcers, dictating laws and controlling order in place of legitimate authorities.
“We are witnessing a horrifying decline,” he said. “The lives of innocent civilians are being lost every day, and it barely raises an alarm anymore. This level of violence and disregard for human life has become a disturbing norm.”
Weerawansa sharply criticized the government, accusing it of willful silence and inaction in the face of this growing anarchy. “This is a government that came into power making grand promises, but now, when the nation is crying out, it chooses to look the other way,” he added.
He stressed that no individual — regardless of their position or influence — should be above the law, and called for immediate accountability, especially for those in power who might be harboring or protecting armed individuals.
According to Sri Lanka police, a total of 46 shootings have been reported across the nation between 01 January to date this year. Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga addressing amedia briefing,said that 31 of the shootings had been orchestrated by organized gangs.
Weerawansa is hardline Sinhala-Buddhist nationalist and former lawmaker, who is known for incendiary rhetoric targeting Tamils, Muslims, and political dissidents.
He was an outspoken proponent of the military offensive that culminated in the Mullivaikkal genocide, in which tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were killed. He has consistently opposed Tamil demands for accountability, devolution, or international investigations into war crimes.
