By Saman Indrajith

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that President Anura Kumara Dissnaayake had downplayed the seriousness of the ongoing killing spree.

Premadasa raised concerns over the alarming rise in violent crimes. He said that eight homicides between 18 and 20 Feb., pointed to a serious threat to public security.

“The President has downplayed the issue, which is very serious, and it is reported that there is ongoing violence among underworld gangs. Whatever it is, it is escalating into a major security crisis,” he said.

Premadasa referred to the recent courtroom murder, highlighting media reports about an intelligence document containing colour photographs of a woman linked to the incident.

Premadasa called on the government to understand the gravity of the situation and demanded an explanation for such a security failure, especially when intelligence information was available.

He said that the government should adopt a more systematic approach to handling intelligence data, stressing that the actions of these ruthless criminals have become a significant national concern.

Responding to queries raised by Premadasa, Chief Government Whip and Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that several officials attached to the Judiciary would be questioned over the killing of Ganemulla Sanjeewa.

“We have already arrested a few who are attached to the security forces and police. The government is not taking the incident lightly,” the Minister said.

NPP MP Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi said that the MPs should not get scared and harbour fears when rival underworld gangs go on killing each other. “If MPs are scared, it proves that there are links between the underworld and politicians. If there is a clash among underworld gangs, why seek security for MPs? Why do MPs get scared when underworld gangs clash? Being a ruling party MP, I walk at the Piliyandala Junction alone. If so, I also must feel the need for security. I do not maintain connections with the underworld. If MPs get scared, it proves that politicians and the underworld have links,” he said.