By:Staff Writer
February 17, Colombo (LNW): In a chilling display of violence, a lawyer and his wife were shot dead in Akuregoda after gunmen blocked their vehicle opposite the Keells supermarket and opened fire at close range.
The attack unfolded within minutes. Two armed assailants exited a vehicle, while two accomplices remained involved in the operation. The methodical execution has intensified fears that organized hit squads are operating with alarming boldness.
On February 13, 2026, Sri Lankan attorney Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife were shot dead in a targeted attack at a supermarket parking lot in Akuregoda, near the Defense Headquarters, likely by organized criminals.
The assailants used a T-56 assault rifle and pistol, with 12 police teams, including the CID and STF, investigating the inciden
Legal Community Draws a Line
Within hours, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka mobilized its members. A special general meeting was convened in Colombo on the 15th, drawing approximately 3,500 lawyers both in person and via Zoom.
BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya confirmed that lawyers would abstain from court appearances on Monday (16), describing the move as a unified stand against violence and intimidation.
Participants stressed that the killing strikes at the heart of the legal system. If legal practitioners are unsafe, public access to justice is imperiled.
Escalating Violence Since 2024
Data already available publicly indicate that targeted shootings by unidentified gunmen have risen since 2024. Many cases remain under investigation, with limited convictions to date. The repetition of similar tactics sudden interception, rapid gunfire, and quick escape has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of crime prevention strategies.
International Implications
With the European Union delegation presently in Sri Lanka reviewing governance and human rights benchmarks linked to GSP+, developments in public security are likely to attract attention. Stability, effective law enforcement, and judicial independence are essential components of international confidence.
Beyond One Tragedy
The Akuregoda killings are not merely an isolated tragedy. They symbolize a broader anxiety about personal safety and institutional strength. The legal community’s collective action demonstrates that this issue transcends politics it concerns the fundamental protection of life and the rule of law.