The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, I made a statement yesterday regarding the security of the judiciary. There has been no reduction of security provided to Hon. Judges; security continues. I clarified this yesterday as well.

¶ 02 Hon. Leader of the Opposition, as you said, in recent days shootings occurred in several places — particularly at Usswetakeiyawa, Kotahena, Negombo, and earlier within the Colombo Magistrate’s Court premises. We clarified initial incidents yesterday. Every shooting is under investigation. It is difficult to make detailed statements while investigations are ongoing.

¶ 03 However, in some killings, video clips released before the murders have revealed information now circulating on social media; these are also being investigated.

¶ 04 Information indicates that these underworld activities are being conducted by an organized gang. Based on phones seized and related information from those arrested, it is now confirmed an organized group is orchestrating these. Investigations continue.

¶ 05 At this moment, the Secretary of Defence is holding a media briefing and will reveal details of the investigations and incidents. While I cannot present extended details due to ongoing inquiries, we bear responsibility for public and national security and will not allow them to break down. The Government’s attention is seriously focused on the escalation of organized underworld activity; in-depth investigations are underway.

¶ 06 Thank you, Mr. Speaker.