SL SEES ALARMING RISE IN SHOOTINGS MURDERS, AND FATAL ACCIDENTS IN 2025

Over 300 murders and nearly 2,000 road deaths in 2025 50 killed in shootings

- DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA

Sri Lanka is witnessing growing concern over a surge in violent incidents this year, with the number of shootings, murders, and fatal road accidents already surpassing figures recorded during the same period last year.

A sharp increase in shootings, most linked to underworld gang activity and fatal road accidents has dominated headlines in 2025. However, it's not only gun violence and traffic collisions that are worrying authorities, the number of murders reported nationwide has also shown a troubling rise. According to Police data, 300 murders were recorded in the first seven months of 2025.

In comparison, 556 murders were reported throughout all of 2024. Of the 300 murders reported this year, police say they have solved 272 cases, while 516 of the 556 murders reported last year were also solved.