• number of murders reported last year was 521 and 403 murders out of those were reported within the first nine months of  2021

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

An alarming number of 435 murders has been reported in various parts of the country up to September this year with 36 persons losing their lives in shooting incidents, police revealed yesterday.  

Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that 32 shooting incidents were reported to the Police within the first nine months of this year. 

 He said 36 persons had died in those shootings while 17 persons were injured.  

Meanwhile, the spokesman said the number of murders reported last year was 521 and 403 murders out of those were reported within the first nine months of  2021. He said 494 murder cases reported last year have been solved.  

SSP Thalduwa said that the numbers of murders have increased this year due to organized criminal activities involving drugs.