By Sri Lanka’s Law Enforcement Faces Unprecedented Challenges Amidst Underworld Crime Surge
The recent court shooting in Sri Lanka has exposed the alarming reality of organized crime infiltrating the nation’s law enforcement. The brazen attack, executed with military precision, has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of law and order, prompting police authorities to reflect on their vulnerabilities and ongoing investigations into underworld activities.
A System Under Siege
Wednesday’s shooting was not just another act of violence; it was a calculated display of power by organized crime syndicates. The timing—coinciding with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s (BASL) elections—suggests meticulous planning. The attackers took advantage of reduced security in the courtroom, slipping past guards with ease. The fact that the victim, Ganemulla Sanjeewa, was being escorted under heavy protection, including Special Task Force (STF) commandos, highlights the audacity of these criminal networks.
Police officials, both active and retired, acknowledge that the force has become highly politicized and ineffective in combating the rise of underworld crime. Corruption has seeped into various levels, with some officers allegedly colluding with criminals for financial gains. The infiltration of law enforcement by powerful underworld elements is no longer a whispered suspicion but a glaring reality.
The Underworld’s Expanding Grip
Organized crime in Sri Lanka has evolved beyond traditional gang activities. With international ties and sophisticated weaponry, these groups operate with alarming impunity. Many of their leaders reside abroad, particularly in Dubai, coordinating operations that extend from narcotics trafficking to arms smuggling. Reports indicate that large quantities of military-grade weapons have found their way into the hands of criminals, exacerbating the security threat.
Despite sporadic successes by law enforcement—such as the recent arrest of a suspect in Chennai linked to stolen military weapons—there is little to suggest that authorities are effectively dismantling these networks. The porous nature of the country’s security apparatus allows criminals to continue their operations with minimal resistance.
Internal Struggles Within the Police Force
Senior police officials are increasingly voicing concerns about the force’s inefficacy. Some have spoken anonymously about the internal divisions that plague the department. A key issue is the politicization of promotions, where officers with political connections advance over those with experience and merit. This has led to a leadership crisis within the force, further hindering efforts to combat crime.
Adding to the problem is the lack of proactive policing. Routine patrols have diminished significantly since the 2022 Aragalaya protests, which saw police forces being deployed for political and civil unrest rather than crime prevention. Fuel quotas for patrol vehicles have been cut, and many officers are assigned to personal security details for politicians rather than crime-fighting duties. As a result, criminals operate without fear, while ordinary citizens are hesitant to seek police assistance due to rampant inefficiency and corruption.
The Intelligence Failure
The court shooting has also raised serious questions about the reliability of police intelligence. Despite the high-profile nature of the victim, there were no preemptive security measures to counter the threat. Investigations reveal that the attackers had real-time information about courtroom changes, indicating a well-established intelligence network within the underworld—one that seems to outmanoeuvred the police at every step.
Even broader security concerns, such as the protection of high-profile individuals, appear to be compromised. The recent reduction in security for former presidents and key figures highlights the government’s miscalculation in assessing potential threats. The administration’s cost-cutting measures may ultimately prove costly if security gaps continue to widen.
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka’s Response
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday announced that extrajudicial killings could never be a solution to addressing the rise in criminal activity and that crime could be best curbed when the State adhered to the rule of law.
The BASL is urging the Acting Inspector General of Police to promptly initiate an impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two individuals at the hands of the Police and to take all necessary steps to prevent similar incidents of encounter killings and custodial deaths in the future.
Issuing a statement regarding the killing of two suspects while in police custody and the killing of a suspect inside a courtroom, the BASL strongly reiterated the need for the Police to take all necessary action against officers who are responsible for the culture of custodial deaths and extrajudicial killings to ensure that such incidents are eradicated from society.
On February 21, two suspects were shot by the Police whilst in custody, allegedly during a confrontation. It is alleged they were involved in a killing which occurred earlier that night in Kotahena.
“The BASL regrets to note that similar encounter killings have occurred in the past without proper investigation, and no meaningful action has been taken to bring the culprits to justice. This inaction on the part of the law enforcement authorities has led to allegations of a climate of impunity on the part of the State. Such failures have resulted in the administration of justice being called into question and a significant loss of public confidence in its efficacy,” the BASL statement added.
The BASL’s statement was signed by its President, Anura Meddegoda, PC, and Secretary, Chathura Galhena.
The Way Forward
Acting Police Chief Priyantha Weerasooriya has pledged reforms, including stricter recruitment policies and reshuffling key positions to eliminate corruption. However, these measures alone may not be enough to counteract decades of systemic failures. The resurgence of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) is a step in the right direction, but there are concerns about its ability to function effectively given past allegations of corruption within the unit.
Furthermore, experts suggest that Sri Lanka should consider a buyback program for illegal weapons, a strategy successfully implemented in other nations to disarm criminal elements. Offering amnesty for surrendered weapons, coupled with intelligence-driven crackdowns, could reduce the firepower of organized crime groups.
A Looming Crisis
The court shooting serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenge posed by organized crime. Unless decisive action is taken, Sri Lanka risks descending into a state where the underworld dictates terms, undermining the rule of law. Policymakers and law enforcement officials must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and take urgent steps to restore public confidence in the justice system.
With the underworld gaining ground, the question remains: Can Sri Lanka’s police force reclaim its authority, or will it continue to be outmaneuvered by the very criminals it seeks to apprehend?
