Sat Feb 22 11:53:58 UTC 2025: ## Sri Lanka Links Recent Killings to Sabotage of Easter Bombing Probe
**Colombo, February 22, 2025** – The Sri Lankan government has linked a recent surge in violence, including the fatal shooting of a prominent underworld figure, to attempts to undermine investigations into high-profile cases, most notably the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings.
According to Ravi Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, the killings are the work of gangs operating from neighboring countries, aiming to destabilize the nation. He stated the government will take strong action against those responsible. The statement follows a courtroom shooting this week that sparked outrage and prompted opposition scrutiny of the government’s response to the escalating violence.
Police Chief Priyantha Weerasuriya revealed a concerning rise in violent crime since January, with 17 shooting incidents and 5 stabbings reported. Authorities have identified 57 organized crime gangs with approximately 1,400 members. The police also addressed the deaths of two criminal suspects in police custody, claiming they were shot while attempting to seize officers’ weapons during an escape attempt.
The renewed focus on violence comes amidst a revived investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which killed 273 people, including 11 Indians. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reopened the investigation last September following pressure from Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who criticized the initial probe as a political cover-up. A previous investigation found former President Maithripala Sirisena guilty of negligence and ordered him to compensate victims’ families. High-ranking defense officials were also implicated for ignoring prior intelligence warnings. The current government’s assertion that the recent violence is linked to these ongoing investigations highlights the deep-seated tensions and security challenges facing Sri Lanka.
First Piper 