Sri Lankan political party leader assassinated in drive-by shooting

Colombo: In a rare incident, a Sri Lankan political party leader, Saman Perera, was killed along with four others in a drive-by shooting.

The authorities reported that while the motive remains unclear, Perera, the chairman of the Our Power of People Party, seemed to be the primary target of the attack, reported AFP.

The fatal incident occurred in the southern town of Beliatta, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Colombo, the capital. Perera, although not a Member of Parliament himself, represented a party with a seat in Sri Lanka's 225-member legislature.

Details from the police indicate that the assailants targeted Perera's vehicle, which had stopped at a roadside restaurant. The attackers, riding in a pickup truck, opened fire and swiftly fled the scene. Investigations suggest a potential feud between Perera and a local criminal figure, a connection also reported by local media.

The drive-by shooting unfolded concurrently with a nationwide anti-crime operation led by the police and supported by soldiers. The operation, known as "Yuktiya" in Sinhala, meaning justice, has resulted in the arrest of over 44,000 individuals, contributing to a significant reduction in crime, according to police reports.

While the authorities emphasise the positive outcomes of the anti-crime initiative, criticism has arisen from the UN's human rights chief, Volker Turk. He condemned the operation, citing instances of alleged abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, strip searches, and searches conducted without warrants.

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, responding to the criticisms, expressed skepticism and defended the crackdown, asserting that it serves the country's best interests. The assassination of Saman Perera adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing security situation in Sri Lanka, with investigations expected to shed light on the motives behind this rare drive-by shooting.