• Police statistics note 33 individuals were killed in shootings and 25 injured so far this year
• Reduction in reported incidents this year compared to last year: DIG Thalduwa

The recent shooting incident in Athurugiriya has brought the issue of underworld control in Sri Lanka back into sharp focus.

The shocking broad-daylight attack during the opening ceremony of a tattoo and piercing studio near the Clock Tower in Athurugiriya has left the community in shock and raised critical questions about the country’s battle against organised crime.

The attack resulted in six people being rushed to hospital, with two succumbing to their injuries. Among the deceased was well-known businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, also known as Club Wasantha, and a 38-year-old male.

Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that statements had been recorded from seven individuals regarding the Athurugiriya shooting.

Among those questioned is the owner of the tattoo shop where the incident occurred. The investigation so far has led to significant breakthroughs, including the discovery of the van used by the suspects in the Bulathsinhala area and an abandoned car in Kaduwela. To tackle this high-profile crime, several special Police teams have been deployed.

However, this incident highlights the broader issue of Sri Lanka’s struggle with organised crime and drug-related activities. The assassination of a prominent figure like Perera, known for his extensive business dealings and connections, highlights the reach and brazenness of criminal organisations in the country. This incident raises important questions about the effectiveness of current measures and whether additional strategies are needed to combat organised crime.

Sri Lanka has been grappling with underworld crime for years, and despite significant efforts by law enforcement, the problem persists. The recent Operation ‘Yukthiya,’ an extensive crackdown on criminal networks, resulted in the arrest of thousands and the seizure of large quantities of drugs. However, these efforts have not completely eradicated the influence and operations of the underworld.

Police statistics 

As per Police statistics, in 2023, the number of shooting incidents in Sri Lanka stood at 120, with organised crime groups responsible for a majority of these incidents. Thus far in 2024, there have been 50 shootings.

When The Sunday Morning reached out to DIG Thalduwa, he stated that there had been a reduction in reported incidents so far this year compared to the previous year. He credited this reduction to a special mission launched in March aimed at controlling underworld activities.

According to Thalduwa, this mission has seen some success, with the number of shootings carried out by organised crime groups falling from 65 last year to 28 so far this year.

According to Police statistics, this year alone, 33 people have been killed and 25 injured in shooting incidents. Last year, the numbers were even higher, with 54 killed and 65 injured. The data highlights the persistent threat posed by both organised crime groups and personal vendettas.

Operation ‘Yukthiya’

Operation ‘Yukthiya,’ initiated in December 2023, has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat the underworld. The operation has led to the detention of nearly 130,000 suspects, primarily for drug-related offences. The seizure of over 270 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 4,571 kg of marijuana, and millions of marijuana plants signifies a major crackdown on the drug trade.

However, the operation has not been without controversy. Human rights organisations, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), have criticised the methods employed, citing concerns over due process and the potential for abuse. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, however, remains resolute, emphasising the necessity of tough measures to eradicate the underworld.

A key element of Operation ‘Yukthiya’ has been the focus on dismantling the networks of drug dealers and underworld figures. This strategy has resulted in high-profile arrests, including that of Midigama Ruwan, an alleged leader of an international drug network, and his brother-in-law Nadun Chinthaka, alias Harak Kata, a notorious drug kingpin.

Despite these successes, the challenge remains formidable. Crime data from 2023 reveals a high incidence of violent crimes and property offences, with nearly 4,700 incidents of murder, attempted murder, and burglary reported. The persistence of such crimes, coupled with the complexity of the drug trade, highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain control.

The battle against the underworld in Sri Lanka is far from over. While Operation ‘Yukthiya’ has made notable strides, the deep-rooted nature of organised crime and the lucrative drug trade pose ongoing challenges.

DIG Thalduwa noted: “The pattern of crime is changing. We are seeing fewer organised shootings but an increase in personal vendettas. This requires us to adapt our strategies constantly. Our operations must be dynamic to respond to these shifts effectively.”

Eradicating the underworld

Minister Alles has set ambitious goals, vowing to bring an end to underworld activities during his tenure. His stern directives to the Police and the Special Task Force (STF) reflect a zero-tolerance approach. 

Yet public scepticism persists. The Minister’s controversial speeches, including a call for the Police to use firearms more assertively, have sparked debate about the balance between security and civil liberties.

Addressing a workshop in Ratnapura, Alles stated: “The firearms issued to Policemen are not for show; they are to be used when necessary. We will hunt down the underworld figures if they do not cease their illegal activities. I have instructed the STF commandos to use every resource at their disposal to eradicate this menace.”

However, when The Sunday Morning contacted Minister Alles, he stressed that although there had been significant progress in operations, he would not be satisfied until drugs and the underworld were eradicated from society.

“Operation ‘Yukthiya’ commenced last December. It is still the same ‘Yukthiya’ and we have started an accelerated programme from 4 July. Gradually, we will do different things,” he said. 

“I’m satisfied with the progress made in terms of controlling drugs because they say that there is a huge reduction across Sri Lanka, but there is more to do. In relation to the underworld, there had been killings almost every day in the south before ‘Yukthiya’ commenced. Also, this recent incident happened two-and-a-half months after the last shooting. I can’t say I’m satisfied with the situation; I will only be satisfied once I eradicate the underworld,” Alles said.

Alles’ ultimatum to the Police to show tangible results by 30 June highlighted the urgency and pressure facing law enforcement agencies. While the operation has led to significant arrests and seizures, the sustainability of these efforts is uncertain.

Alles said: “The Police has achieved tangible results. Some believed we would stop this programme on 30 June, but we have said that we will stop only after completely eradicating the drug menace and the underworld.”

Referring to the Athurugiriya incident, the Minister said: “Investigations are still ongoing and there are many clues. We can’t say what it is until the investigation is over.”