IGP holds critical meetings with senior officers in South amidst surge in shootings

• The IGP issued directives for immediate action to arrest those responsible for the shootings

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  
In the wake of a surge in shootings within the Southern Province recently, IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon convened a critical meeting with senior police officers yesterday to address the escalating violence that has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.  
Police said the IGP met senior officers of Galle and Elpitiya Police Divisions yesterday.  
Recent incidents include the tragic shooting of a public health inspector in the Elpitiya police area on February 26, 2024 as well as a shooting incident in Pitigala on March 11 where two individuals were killed and several others sustained injuries.  
Also, another shooting occurred in Ambalangoda on the same day, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring three others.  
The meeting with the IGP was joined by the Senior Deputy Inspector General of the Southern Province, the Galle DIG and senior police officials from both the Galle and Elpitiya Police Divisions.  
During the meeting, discussions centred on strategies to combat crime effectively while addressing any existing shortcomings within law enforcement operations.  
The IGP issued directives for immediate action to arrest those responsible for the shootings and to prevent future occurrences of such crimes.  
Police said attention was drawn to the crucial role of the Criminal Investigation Department, Crime Record Division, Colombo Crime Division, Community Police Division, Police Special Task Force and Intelligence Division in addressing the recent spate of shootings.  

Officers were instructed to enhance collaboration, share information and execute their duties diligently to tackle the prevailing challenges.  
The IGP said that investigations will be conducted to assess the performance of police OICs and senior officers involved in the handling of recent incidents.  
The IGP said that if any misconduct is revealed in the said investigations, disciplinary action will be taken against those officers.