The fatal shooting of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife in Akuregoda, Thalangama, has triggered outrage, paralysed court proceedings across Sri Lanka, and reignited debate over the island's deteriorating law and order.
The couple were gunned down on February 13, 2026, in the car park of a supermarket in the Akuregoda area. Sri Lanka police suspect that a T56 firearm was used in the attack. The victims were inside their vehicle at the time and were pronounced dead at the scene. Mallawarachchi had been primarily engaged in legal practice at the Colombo High Court.
Sri Lankan police have launched investigations to determine the motive and identify those responsible. Authorities state that investigations are being led by 12 special police teams. Four suspects have been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting the shooters by providing accommodation, transporting firearms and supplying narcotics.
In response to what it described as a attack on one of its own, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) staged an island-wide boycott of court proceedings on Monday (16), following a special general meeting convened at its headquarters in Hulftsdorp.
Members of the BASL refrained from appearing before courts across the island on behalf of any cases, in what marked the strongest collective protest and withdrawal from professional duties since its historic 2013 strike against the impeachment and removal of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.
BASL President Attorney Rajeev Amarasuriya said members held detailed deliberations on the implications of the attack and unanimously agreed to refrain from court proceedings in a show of solidarity and protest. He confirmed that the association’s general assembly reached four unanimous decisions.
“This symbolic protest serves as a clear message to the State,” Amarasuriya told the local press, emphasising that such killings should not happen to anyone, regardless of profession. He stressed that the government bears a fundamental responsibility to establish public safety and uphold the rule of law, adding that the legal community is prepared to offer its support and guidance but insisting that this must be the final such tragedy.
This was the first time in 14 years that all members of the Bar Association convened for a collective meeting in Colombo.
The boycott caused widespread disruption, with approximately 1,000 cases postponed nationwide, affecting every level of the judiciary from the Supreme Court down to Magistrate’s Courts.
While some lawyers were present within court premises, they refused to enter open courts to represent clients. In many instances, only junior lawyers appeared briefly to request new hearing dates. Although police and prison officials produced suspects as scheduled, the absence of legal representation meant most sessions concluded within minutes.
BASL Secretary Attorney Chathura Galhena later confirmed that members resumed court appearances as usual from Tuesday (17), following the one-day boycott.
The killing has intensified political tensions, with sharp exchanges between government and opposition figures over responsibility for the country’s worsening security situation.
Amid growing public concern over rising underworld violence, former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka stated that one or two isolated shooting incidents do not necessarily constitute a threat to national security.
However, SLPP Spokesman Sanjeeva Edirimanna strongly criticised the government’s handling of security, pointing to a recent shooting in close proximity to the Armed Forces Headquarters and the State Ministry of Defence. He described earlier claims that sporadic shootings are unrelated to national security as indicative of a “primitive” understanding of the issue.
Ruling National Peoples Power (NPP) MP Chandana Sooriyaarachchi responded by claiming that the government is implementing a comprehensive programme to eliminate crime, organised criminal networks and drug trafficking. While acknowledging that such initiatives are progressing, he said sudden incidents such as the recent shootings create additional challenges and increase pressure on law enforcement authorities.
Former Minister Mahinda Amaraweera also condemned what he described as a deteriorating security situation, recalling past remarks by the current Deputy Minister of Defence and questioning the government’s present stance. He argued that daily killings on the streets demonstrate a failure to maintain control.
Minister Samantha Vidyarathna rejected the criticism, stating that merely raising complaints would not solve the problem, claiming that elements of previous corrupt systems remain entrenched and must be systematically removed. He said the government has already begun comprehensive efforts to eliminate the underworld, asserting that organised crime, financial fraud, corruption and drug trafficking were historically fostered within corrupt political systems.
MP Namal Rajapaksa said blaming previous administrations is no longer a valid excuse, noting that the current government and president have been in power for over a year and a half. With the Police and Justice Ministry under their direct control, he called on the government to stop “joking” and using history to cover up present failures. He challenged the Minister of Public Security to either effectively manage security or resign.
