A total of 34 shooting incidents have been reported in Sri Lanka during the first six months of this year.

According to the Police, 20 persons have died and 13 have sustained injuries in the shootings reported from January to date. 

Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa stated that a total of 60 shooting incidents had been reported in 2022, adding that these include the involvement of organized criminals and other reasons.

He told the media yesterday that out of the 559 murders reported in 2022, the Police were able to resolve 493 incidents and apprehend the suspects involved. 

SSP Thalduwa stated that 225 murders have been reported from January to date this year, out of which 34 are related to drug peddling and organized crimes, while some are related to personal disputes and extramarital affairs. 

He stated that among the 225 murders reported so far in 2023, the Police have been able to resolve 223 incidents and apprehend the suspects and their associates involved. 

The Police spokesman added that however, it has been observed that the shooting incidents reported in 2023 are less than that reported last year.