The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on 13 February 2026, a lawyer and his wife were shot dead with a firearm while in a parked vehicle near a luxury store, very close to a High Security Zone in Thalawathugoda, Akuregoda. Within less than two hours the Police announced this as an underworld crime, raising unprecedented public distrust regarding national security, rule of law, and the Government’s stance on justice. For clarity on law, peace, public safety and national security, I raise the following:

¶ 02 1. Does the Government accept that this murder, carried out very close to a High Security Zone—an area with the highest level of security—reflects a serious national security problem? Were there intelligence inputs, and if so, why was the crime not prevented?

¶ 03 2. This is the first killing of a person engaged in the administration of justice since the murder of High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitiya, targeting those involved in justice delivery, thereby threatening the rule of law. What is the Government’s position and intended actions?

¶ 04 3. Soon after, the Government framed it as an “underworld account-settling” incident without a thorough investigation. Is this an evasion of responsibility to ensure national and public security?

¶ 05 4. Are investigations being steered on presumptions before completion, or under external influence, risking derailment?

¶ 06 Moreover, after this incident, shootings occurred in Jinthupitiya and in Kalutara North with reported fatalities. What measures will the Government take to crush this culture of terror and murder?

¶ 07 5. Reports indicate around 111 shootings in the past year alone. Does the Government accept failure to prevent them?

¶ 08 6. What steps will be taken to ensure the safety of judges involved in adjudication, officers of the Attorney General’s Department, lawyers, and police officers conducting investigations? What assurance can the Government give for the safety of judges, law enforcement, the 22 million citizens, and professionals connected to the justice system?