Opposition urges Speaker’s intervention as gun violence surges nationwide

Mounting alarm over a surge in gun-related violence across Sri Lanka has prompted opposition party leaders, led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, to call on Speaker of Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne to take immediate action to safeguard public security and ensure the safety of elected representatives.

The appeal was made during a high-level meeting held yesterday (20) at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, where a cross-party group of opposition MPs gathered to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.

Among the attendees were MPs Gayantha Karunathilaka, S. Sritharan, Rauff Hakeem, Rishad Bathiudeen, Ravi Karunanayake, Jeevan Thondaman, K. Kader Masthan, Dilith Jayaweera, Dayasiri Jayasekara, J.C. Alawathuwala, Dr. M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Dr. P. Sathiyalingam, and Nizam Kariapper.

In a joint statement following the discussion, opposition leaders stressed that the growing wave of gun violence is not only threatening the safety of civilians but also creating an increasingly hostile environment for parliamentarians, particularly those in the opposition, who find it difficult to carry out their public duties independently and without fear.

“The safety of Members of Parliament is paramount to the functioning of a healthy democracy. We are witnessing a breakdown in national security that demands immediate parliamentary oversight and response,” said one MP present at the meeting.

The opposition has formally requested a meeting with the Speaker, calling for his leadership in summoning the Acting Inspector General of Police and the Director of the State Intelligence Service to Parliament.

They point out that direct engagement with senior law enforcement and intelligence officials is essential to understanding the scope of the threat and identifying actionable steps to restore public confidence and order.

According to police data released by Police Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga on Monday (19), 46 shootings have been reported across the country between January 1 and mid-May this year, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The opposition insists that restoring a secure environment is not just a matter of public safety but a prerequisite for democratic governance.

Their proposals aim to ensure that all MPs, regardless of political affiliation, can perform their constitutional roles without intimidation or threat.