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Police: Netherworld of crime not awash with illegal firearms contrary to popular belief

Published

2 years ago

2024/07/12

DIG Thalduwa

Criminal gangs in Sri Lanka do not possess a large quantity of firearms, says DIG Nihal Thalduwa. Appearing in a programme on Derana TV on Wednesday (10) he said that since the war against terror ended, some weapons held by the LTTE cadres had got into the hands of criminal gangs, he said.

“We see some of these weapons still in use. They can also be smuggled into the country in boats as well. However, there is no evidence to believe that the criminal gangs have a lot of firearms. When we arrest people involved in assassinations, often we find that they get hold of a firearm only with the greatest difficulty,” he said.

DIG Thalduwa said the police offered 500,000 rupees to anyone who provided a successful tip-off about a T56 weapon. A policeman who seized such a weapon is also given the same amount as a reward.

The DIG added that a lot of people had lost jobs during COVID 19 and one needed about Rs 100,000 to buy a decent smartphone. “Buying a vehicle or building a house is also very costly. People want quick money, and they are compelled to join various criminal activities. And when a person is engaged in crime, he or she can become the target of other criminals. So, crime rate automatically rises,” he said.

The police believe that a criminal gang based abroad had manipulated Dulan Sanjula, the owner of the tattoo parlour Surendra Wasantha Perera, also known as Club Wasantha, had come to open, DIG Thalduwa said.

“It seems that this organised group fed on Sanjula’s dream of opening his own business. Sanjula’s family was there when the shooting took place, and his sister is in a critical condition. However, we are still at the preliminary stages of the inquiry. Sanjula is still a suspect and will continue to be one until we have concrete evidence to prove otherwise,” he said.

DIG Thalduwa said that many security forces personnel, who had either retired or left the service illegally, were in society and there are several organised crime gangs in the country with links to regional criminal networks. Thus, it was not an easy task to eradicate criminal activity in Sri Lanka within a short period of time, he said.

Professor of Sociology at the University of Colombo, Mohamed Mahees said most organised crimes were linked to politics. Without political patronage accessing illicit firearms, hindering police investigations and escaping the country were extremely difficult, he said.

Prof. Mahees also said that the media played a role in glorifying various criminals and making them household names. By giving excessive coverage to crime, the media also normalised violence. “Since COVID, people have become extremely atomised. They have little social interactions, especially the youth. And there is so much disparity in the society and a sense of hopelessness. This society has become an incubator for criminal activity,” he said.

(RK)

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

Latest News

Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.

News

PM initiates children into learning at the auspicious time while observing New Year traditional customs and rituals

Published

22 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival, organized by the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, was held on Tuesday (14) in Gampaha under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, with the performance of traditional auspicious customs and rituals.

In accordance with tradition, during the Punya Kalaya (inauspicious time), the Prime Minister visited the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Viharaya in Gampaha and participated in religious observances and received blessings from Venerable Thunmodara Samitha Thero, a member of the Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya and the Chief Incumbent of the Medagama Sri Sunandarama Dharmaduta Piriven Viharaya.

The traditional observances of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year cultural festival were held at the residence of Darshana Weerasinghe in Gampaha. Marking the auspicious time for commencing work, and upon the invitation of the host family, the Prime Minister planted a sapling within the premises. Concurrently, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, joined the PM.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister joined children in engaging in traditional folk games.

At the auspicious time for engaging work and educational activities, the PM participated with children in reading and writing, guiding them and symbolically marking the commitment to advancing the educational development of the nation’s children.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other distinguished guests observed the traditional customs of exchanging greetings, transactions and gifts with the host family, and joined them to partake in the customary New Year meal.

Extending New Year greetings to all citizens, the Prime Minister expressed her gratitude to all Sri Lankans, both at home and abroad, for their contributions in overcoming and effectively managing the various challenges faced by the country.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi stated that the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival symbolizes renewal and purity, and reflects the energy of the sun. He also conveyed his wishes for a peaceful and prosperous New Year for all.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Minister of Labour, Dr. Anil Jayantha; Deputy Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe; Member of Parliament for the Gampaha District, Ruwan Mapalagama; along with the Gampaha District Secretary, Mayor, Divisional Secretaries, and a large number of government officials.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)