Saturday Jan 18, 2025
Saturday Jan 18, 2025
Saturday, 18 January 2025 01:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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| Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa |
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, referring to a spate of shooting incidents reported during the first 16 days of 2025, has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to act promptly to suppress these criminal activities and bring to justice those directing these operations.
Making a special statement, he said these incidents, including the shooting incident that took place in Mannar this week, have created an environment where ordinary citizens are unable to carry out their daily activities freely and without fear.
“I must emphasise the alarming situation in which five shooting incidents were reported within the first 16 days of 2025. These shootings have resulted in five deaths and four injuries, creating an environment where ordinary citizens are unable to carry out their daily activities freely and without fear,” he explained.
Quoting police statistics, he said that international red notices have been issued to 188 individuals currently abroad and among them, 63 have been identified as orchestrating criminal activities from overseas, including murders, extortion, intimidation, and other anti-social actions.
“Ensuring the right to life is the fundamental responsibility of any government. This includes safeguarding citizens’ security, protecting human rights, and ensuring access to health, food, and nutrition,” he said, adding that as the Opposition Leader, he earnestly urges the President, the current Government, and all heads of security forces to take immediate and decisive action to prevent such incidents.
“If this situation escalates, it will severely disrupt normal civilian life and restrict people’s freedom to go about their daily activities,” he said in the statement.
