In a shocking incident in Colombo, authorities confirmed that notorious gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne was shot dead by an assailant posing as a lawyer. The gun used in the attack was reportedly smuggled into the courthouse inside a hollowed-out book, allegedly by a female accomplice who remains at large. Samararathne, known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, was facing multiple murder charges and had been under police escort when the incident occurred.
**Gang Violence Escalates as Notorious Leader is Shot in Colombo Courthouse**
**Gang Violence Escalates as Notorious Leader is Shot in Colombo Courthouse**
A brazen courthouse shooting has sparked renewed concerns over gang violence in Sri Lanka, following the assassination of a prominent gang leader.
The police's swift response resulted in the capture of the gunman, whose identity remains ambiguous as he used several aliases. In connection with the shooting, the police also apprehended a police officer and a van driver suspected of aiding the perpetrators. Authorities have identified the female suspect as 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi and are actively seeking information about her whereabouts, offering a reward for tips.
This shooting incident has prompted urgent discussions in parliament regarding the ongoing issue of gang violence, which has plagued Sri Lanka. Lawmakers, including health minister Nalinda Jayatissa, highlighted the government's commitment to serious action against organized crime. The recent surge in gang activities has resulted in at least nine fatalities attributed to gang rivalries this year alone.
As an immediate response, the government is reassessing security protocols within courthouses, contemplating armed guard deployments during court appearances of high-risk individuals—a significant shift from existing practices that typically do not allow armed personnel in court.
The incident raises critical questions about the safety of judicial environments in Sri Lanka and underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address the escalating problem of gang violence in the region.
This shooting incident has prompted urgent discussions in parliament regarding the ongoing issue of gang violence, which has plagued Sri Lanka. Lawmakers, including health minister Nalinda Jayatissa, highlighted the government's commitment to serious action against organized crime. The recent surge in gang activities has resulted in at least nine fatalities attributed to gang rivalries this year alone.
As an immediate response, the government is reassessing security protocols within courthouses, contemplating armed guard deployments during court appearances of high-risk individuals—a significant shift from existing practices that typically do not allow armed personnel in court.
The incident raises critical questions about the safety of judicial environments in Sri Lanka and underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address the escalating problem of gang violence in the region.
