Sri Lanka has recorded 76 shooting incidents across the country since the beginning of the year, resulting in 41 deaths and injuries to 43 others, police data revealed today (4).
The statistics cover the period from January 1 to August 4, 2025, highlighting a concerning surge in gun-related violence nationwide.
One of the most recent incidents took place on Sunday (3) in Kapugama, Gandara, where a 48-year-old businessman was shot inside his residence.
According to police, two unidentified gunmen arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire using a T-56 assault rifle before fleeing the scene.
The victim was rushed to the Matara Hospital and was later discharged following treatment for his injuries.
Police investigators have since recovered the motorcycle believed to have been used in the attack, along with clothing and face coverings suspected to have been worn by the assailants. The items were found abandoned in the Yatiyana area and have been sent for forensic analysis.
Authorities have yet to confirm a motive behind the shooting, but investigations are ongoing. Police said they are examining whether the shooting has links to organised crime or underworld activity which is a growing concern in several recent gun attacks.
The uptick in shootings this year has prompted renewed calls for stricter firearms control and tougher action against criminal networks operating across the country.
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