Sri Lanka’s Rising Gun Violence: Investigation UnderwayMiddeniya Shooting Claims Three Lives,
In a tragic escalation of gun violence in Sri Lanka, the Middeniya shooting has claimed three lives, including a 9-year-old boy who succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Hospital in Galle. The horrifying incident unfolded on the night of February 18, 2025, when a group of unidentified gunmen ambushed a 39-year-old man from Galpotta as he was traveling on a motorcycle with his two children.
The attackers opened fire near Kadewatta Junction, Middeniya, instantly killing the father. His six-year-old daughter tragically passed away at Tangalle Hospital shortly after. Despite attempts to save him, the young boy followed, bringing the death toll in the incident to three.
Authorities believe that the assailants used a T-56 assault rifle, a weapon often associated with contract killings and gang-related violence in the region. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to track down those responsible for this horrifying act.
Arruna Vidanagmage or poplerly known as R Middeniya Kaddja, the victim, had reportedly made a statement before his death claiming he had become a target of a powerful politician from the South. Parliamentarian Susantha Dodawatta said that Namal Rjapaksha should watch the vedio presentation of Kadjja where he mentioned about politicians targeting him. Kaddja suggested that even if he were killed, evidence of corruption and wrongdoing by the political figure would remain. This statement has raised suspicions of possible political involvement in the attack.
Deputy Minister of Justice, Sunil Watagala, has pledged that the matter will be thoroughly investigated. It’s worth noting that Middeniya Kaddja had recently shifted his political alliance, and he had been wanted for several criminal incidents, though authorities are still working to confirm the connection between his political ties and the violent attack.
As gun violence continues to rise in Sri Lanka, this incident underscores the severity of the situation, with many fearing that political motives may be at the heart of such acts of violence. Authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice and ensure that the country’s growing gun violence is addressed with urgency.
