The mainstream media has recently been flooded with stories of mysterious and horrific crimes.
A shocking incident occurred near the Beliatta Interchange of the Southern Expressway on Monday (22), where five persons were killed on the spot in broad daylight. Another unsettling event unfolded on Tuesday (23) when a Buddhist monk was shot dead inside a temple in Malwathuhiripitiya, Gampaha.
While Police investigations are currently underway, these major crimes have sparked concerns regarding the potential erosion of public trust in the country’s law enforcement authorities, raising questions about whether the public is resorting to taking the law into their own hands due to a perceived lack of trust.
Exploring Police statistics
The Police’s recorded crime data for 2023 (up to 31 July) reveals a concerning landscape, with 4,696 incidents of murder, attempted murder, and burglary. Additionally, 16,240 incidents of offences against properties have been recorded by the Police.
Within the category of offences against persons, the data shows nearly 2,300 murders, 417 assaults, 114 abductions, 1,323 grievous hurts, 87 attempted murders, 162 cases of rape (of individuals over 16 years old), 679 cases of statutory rape involving individuals below 16 years of age with their consent (as recorded in Police reports), and another 210 cases of statutory rape involving individuals below 16 years of age without consent (as recorded in Police reports).
In 2022, there was a notable surge in burglary and property theft incidents, totalling 7,882 up to 30 November, compared to the entire year of 2021, which recorded 6,840 cases. Robbery incidents also increased, rising to 2,741 in 2022 (up to 30 November) from 2,276 during the entire year of 2021.
Challenges persist in solving property crimes, with over half of burglary and property theft cases remaining unsolved, along with 40% of robbery cases in the past year.
Although statistics on rape cases may not indicate a significant increase, the overall numbers remained high, with 1,792 cases reported in 2022 (up to 30 November) and 1,970 in 2021.
Noteworthy achievements include the resolution of 159 complaints of cruel treatment against children and a 100% success rate in resolving 86 cases related to possessing and printing counterfeit currency notes over the last two years.
On the other hand, the ongoing ‘Yukthiya’ operation has resulted in the apprehension of many drug dealers and criminals associated with illicit drugs. The operation, active from 17 December to 17 January, has led to the arrest of over 40,500 individuals. As part of the crackdown, illegal properties linked to these individuals were raided and confiscated.
The total value of seized drugs amounts to Rs. 4, 791 million, while assets and properties with an estimated value of Rs. 725 million have been confiscated. The operation represents a significant effort to combat drug-related crime and dismantle associated criminal networks.
People’s frustration
Amidst a surge in horrific crimes plaguing Sri Lanka, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara shed light on crucial contributing factors: “Without research, we can’t pinpoint the exact reasons. First and foremost, people’s frustration stems from the lack of rule of law, the absence of due process, and delays in the legal system. Additionally, the people have not given a mandate to this Government.”
“When there is no trust and moral legitimacy for a government, people are not inclined to obey its laws willingly. The cost of living is rising, yet the public observes that those who have led the country into trouble are enjoying their lives and luxuries,” Nanayakkara added.
Tackling rising crime rates
When contacted, Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe attributed the rising numbers of incarcerated individuals to various factors. He noted that the prison population, which stood at approximately 18,000 nearly a year ago, had now doubled to around 32,000.
“One contributing factor is the inclusion of substances like ice, previously not prohibited by law, into the category of dangerous drugs. This has led to numerous apprehensions, highlighting a legal gap in Sri Lanka,” he said.
Minister Rajapakshe further highlighted the prevalence of transactions involving dangerous substances, often exploited by underworld groups during turbulent periods in Sri Lanka, turning it into a lucrative opportunity.
He pointed out that Dubai was a shelter for criminals, where transactions occurred with minimal taxation, emphasising on the need for preventive measures. The Minister identified the widespread use of mobile cash services at the grassroots level as another facilitator for illegal transactions.
“Another reason is the abundance of transactions involving the supply of dangerous substances, with numerous underworld groups accustomed to this practice. Taking advantage of a turbulent period in Sri Lanka, they exploit it as a means of making money. These groups find a haven for criminals in Dubai, where any kind of transaction can take place with only about a 5% tax consideration.”
The Minister suggested that if such incidents occurred in a democratic country, there would be a significant amount of pressure.
“Another contributing factor is the prevalence of mobile cash services at the grassroots level, making transactions more accessible for illegal activities. Additionally, there are instances of corrupt Police officers and prison officers providing protection for drug dealers. Ongoing law enforcement operations have led to clashes between underworld gangs, resulting in the killing of individuals perceived as threats to rival groups,” Rajapakshe added.
In addressing these challenges, Rajapakshe emphasised on the importance of prevention, advocating for the formation of cohesive village groups to empower communities in combating crimes. By unifying entire villages, he believes people will feel more secure in revealing information about criminals, assisting authorities in their efforts to address and prevent criminal activities.
When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Police Media Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa noted that social media had become one of the root causes of the increasing number of crimes in Sri Lanka.
He stated that since there was no monitoring mechanism for the information being shared on social media, many people were tempted to engage in certain types of crimes or become involved in situations that could later result in them either committing or being a victim of a crime.
“Many young people learn various ways to commit suicide from social media and also become addicted to drugs. Even family disputes occur due to infidelity issues that often originate on Facebook,” emphasised DIG Thalduwa. He noted that the prevailing economic pressures had also contributed to the increasing number of crimes.
