Rising Crime in Sri Lanka: A Worrying Trend Amid Recent Murders

Sri Lanka has seen a disturbing spike in violent crime in the first five weeks of 2025, with 60 murders recorded across the island between January 1 and February 6. Among these, 11 shooting incidents resulted in nine deaths and six injuries, painting a concerning picture of lawlessness. The recent wave of homicides has raised alarms about public safety, the effectiveness of law enforcement, and the underlying factors driving this surge in violent crime.

Notable Murders That Shook the Nation

One of the most gruesome cases occurred on February 2 in Ambalantota, where three individuals were hacked to death with sharp weapons in the Mamadala area. The six suspects arrested in connection with the killings were reportedly from the same family, suggesting an internal dispute that escalated into deadly violence.

In another chilling incident on January 16 in Mannar, a double homicide took place near the Magistrate Court, where a man and a woman were shot dead. Police later arrested the main suspect and an accomplice on January 18 in the Pesale area.

Adding to the concern, two foreign tourists—a 24-year-old British woman and a 26-year-old German woman—died under mysterious circumstances at a Colombo hostel in early February. Authorities are investigating whether their deaths were caused by exposure to toxic fumigation chemicals, a shocking revelation that has sparked fears about regulatory lapses in public accommodations.

Beyond these high-profile cases, several other murders have been reported across the country, including gang-related killings, domestic violence incidents, and targeted assassinations linked to organ

A Disturbing Trend in Violent Crime

The increasing murder rate in Sri Lanka follows a pattern of fluctuating homicide statistics in recent years. Data from previous years show a rise in the murder/homicide rate, from 2.38 per 100,000 people in 2018 to 3.43 in 2019. While official figures for 2024 are yet to be released, the first few weeks of 2025 suggest a worsening trend that demands urgent attention.

Several factors may be contributing to this rise in violent crime:

Increase in gang-related violence: Several of the recent killings have been linked to organized crime and underworld activities, with disputes over territorial control and illicit dealings turning deadly.

Economic struggles and social tensions: Sri Lanka's economic crisis has fueled unemployment and financial hardship, creating a desperate environment where crimes of violence, including robberies and personal disputes, have escalated.

Inefficiencies in law enforcement: While arrests have been made in some high-profile cases, critics argue that police response remains reactive rather than proactive, allowing crime networks to operate with impunity.