Gang Dispute - One Killed

 

In recent months, Sri Lanka has witnessed a troubling surge in violent incidents attributed to escalating conflicts among drug traffickers and organized crime groups. These confrontations have resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, instilling fear and insecurity .

On April 3, 2025, a tragic event unfolded in Karuwalakanda, Hikkaduwa. A 51-year-old shop owner was fatally shot, and his wife critically injured when assailants on a motorcycle targeted them within their establishment around 7:00 p.m. Both victims were rushed to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, where the husband succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are investigating potential links between this attack and ongoing gang disputes.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence linked to organized crime. In the first three months of 2024 alone, there were 32 reported shootings, resulting in 21 deaths and 14 injuries. These events predominantly occurred in the Western and Southern Provinces, areas notably affected by gang activities.

A particularly alarming case occurred on January 7, 2025, in Mount Lavinia. Two men were gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants in an early morning attack. Investigations revealed that this act was a consequence of a feud between two organized crime figures, "Badowita Asanka" and "Kos Malli," both believed to be operating from abroad.

The prevalence of motorcycle gunmen has become a notable modus operandi in these violent episodes. Over the years, organized crime in Sri Lanka has flourished under political protection, with 58 active criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking and extortion. Approximately 1,400 individuals are directly associated with these gangs. Conflicts among these groups have escalated, leading to numerous assassinations by hitmen operating under the instructions of leaders residing in countries like Dubai, Italy, and India.


Law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to combat this surge in violence. An organized crime control committee has been established under the direction of the Acting Inspector General of Police, comprising senior officials from various divisions. Despite these measures, the persistence of such incidents underscores the challenges authorities face in curbing organized crime and ensuring public safety.

The escalating violence highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to dismantle criminal networks and address the root causes fueling these deadly conflicts.