Chief Government Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has assured that the government will take stern action to address the rise in crimes, especially shootings in Sri Lanka.
Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Jayatissa said the government will not allow the rise of underworld activities and will implement strict measures to address the issue.
He further outlined that as initial steps the Defence Ministry has already recalled weapons issued by the government and a significant number of firearms have been returned, adding that investigations are underway in this regard.
The minister further said that the government has also taken steps to bring back criminals who had sought refuge in India and Dubai, with investigations underway.
Stating that several more measures have already been taken to curtail crime, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa assured that the government will strongly intervene to address the issue.
He made the remarks in response to a question raised by Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera on the rise in crime and the lack of security in the nation, highlighting today’s shooting of underworld kingpin Ganemulla Sanjeewa inside a Colombo Court.
Pointing out that over 70 shootings have been reported so far, MP Jayasekera urged the government and the Parliament to take serious consideration of the situation.
Also commenting on the matter, Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa said the opposition was prepared to extend its support to the government to curtail crime in Sri Lanka and ensure law and stability.
MP Premadasa said shootings and murders have become a daily occurrence in Sri Lanka at present, with children also becoming victims, adding that the country has fallen to a state where the courts are also unsafe following today’s incident.
Highlighting that this was a serious issue, the Opposition Leader urged the government to take even more stringent measures to curtail crime and to make a special statement on the measures taken to address the issue. (Newswire)