Sri Lanka witnessed a sharp surge in underworld-related violence, with 27 individuals killed in 38 shootings during the first four months of this year, according to the police.

The majority of the incidents have been reported from the Western and Southern Provinces, regions increasingly plagued by organised criminal activity. Law enforcement authorities attribute the violence primarily to escalating conflicts among drug trafficking networks and targeted attacks by rival underworld gangs.

Investigations are ongoing, with police stepping up efforts to dismantle these criminal networks and prevent further bloodshed. Authorities have also called for stronger community cooperation and legislative support to combat the growing threat of organised crime.

by Hemantha Randunu

Colombo High Court judge Manjula Thilakaratne yesterday granted bail to jailer Manoj Udayakantha who brought Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne, also known as “Ganemulle Sanjeewa,” to Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s court number 05 on 19 Feb., when he (Sanjeewa) was shot dead by a gunman, disguised as a lawyer.

Manoj Udayakantha was taken into custody on 01 March.

Colombo High Court judge Manjula Thilakaratne ordered the suspect to be granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 2.5 million each and a cash bail of Rs. 75,000.

The jailer has been questioned regarding his failure to take any action against the individual who shot at “Ganemulle Sanjeewa,” as he stood in the dock, and fled. The gunman has been arrested but his female accomplice is still at large.

SLTB on April 29 resumed services between Jaffna and Palaly after a lapse of 35 years. Although buses operated on some sections of the road, it hadn’t been fully opened until recently.

(pic by Dinasena Ratugamage)