A total of 21 shooting incidents have been reported across Sri Lanka so far this year, leaving 14 people dead and 12 others injured, according to the Police Media Division.
The figures were released after two separate shootings occurred within three hours of each other on Wednesday (23) in Wattala and Dematagoda, leaving one person dead and another wounded.
The fatal attack took place at around 9.30 p.m. at a child’s birthday party in Palliyawatta, Wattala. Police believe the intended target was an alleged drug trafficker known as “Kudu Roshan,” but the gunman mistakenly shot another man dressed similarly to the target after failing to distinguish between the two. The victim, identified as a Wanathamulla resident known as “Wanathe Sumedha,” later died at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Four suspects, including two women, have been arrested over the attack, and five police teams are investigating under the supervision of a Deputy Inspector General.
In the earlier incident, at around 6.35 p.m. in Kuppiyawatta, Dematagoda, CCTV footage captured two assailants on a motorcycle opening fire on a man and chasing him as he tried to flee. The injured victim was admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds to the chest.
Police said most of the shootings are linked to rivalries between organised crime groups. Following the recent attacks, heightened security, including around 600 officers and Special Task Force personnel, has been deployed for the Devinuwara Devalaya Perahera.
