Police link majority of shootings to underworld and organised crime

A vast majority of shooting incidents reported across the country this year have been linked to underworld and organised crime groups, according to data released by the Police Headquarters.

- BY HEMANTHA RANDUNU AND NORMAN PALIHAWADANE

Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that between January and July 2025, a total of 68 shooting incidents had been reported countrywide, resulting in 37 deaths and 39 injuries.

Of the 68 shootings, 50 — or over 78 percent — were confirmed to be directly tied to organised crime networks. The remaining 18 were connected to personal disputes and land-related conflicts.

Notably, 34 of the 37 individuals killed — amounting to more than 91 percent — were identified as members of underworld gangs. The remaining three deaths were due to unrelated incidents, ASP Wootler said.