Sri Lanka records decline in shootings in 2026: Public Security Minister

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says shooting incidents linked to organized crime have declined to 18 so far in 2026, compared to 29 incidents recorded in 2025.

Addressing Parliament today (23), the Minister said the authorities have managed to bring the situation under control to some extent through intensified operations targeting organized criminal gangs and drug trafficking networks.

Providing statistics on murders and shootings linked to organized crime, Wijepala said two incidents were recorded in 2020, four in 2021, 23 in 2022, 16 in 2023, 42 in 2024, 29 in 2025 and 18 so far in 2026.

He said a total of 134 such incidents had been recorded during the period from 2020 to 2026.

The Minister attributed the increase in shooting incidents in previous years to conflicts between organized criminal gangs and drug trafficking networks.

He further revealed that INTERPOL red notices have been issued for 236 Sri Lankans, including 94 individuals identified as organized criminals and drug traffickers.

Of those wanted, 30 are sought in connection with murders, while others are wanted for drug trafficking and other serious crimes.

Wijepala said 17 special teams have been deployed to carry out operations aimed at curbing organized crime and drug trafficking across the country.

He added that measures are being taken to suppress criminal activities locally while also working to bring back drug traffickers operating from overseas.

The Minister reiterated that these efforts have helped contain the situation to some extent, with shooting incidents declining this year. (Newswire)

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