Sri Lanka, Jan. 26 -- An uptick in shootings is spreading terror in our streets. The killings have been attributed to a turf war between rival gangs and they follow a pattern; a duo arrives on a motorcycle, the pillion rider disembarks, opens fire and gets back in the saddle and escapes.

Since January 1, eight shootings related to underworld gangs and contract killings have taken place across the island, with the majority being reported from around Colombo city. The shootings have claimed the lives of six persons.

The first gang-related shooting in 2025 was reported from Weligama, while two other shootings were reported from Attidiya-Badowita and Mount Lavinia, Kohuwela and Mannar.

CCTV cameras

Private CCTV cameras has lent a whole ne...