In response to the rising number of murders in the Western and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has issued orders to the police chiefs to take immediate and decisive action.

The minister convened a meeting with the senior police authorities yesterday to discuss the pressing issue.

Attending the discussion were Public Security Ministry Secretary Vyani Gunathilake, Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakone, Southern Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police S.C Medawatta, and Special Task Force Commander DIG Varuna Jayasundara.

During the meeting, Minister Alas instructed the Inspector General of Police to enforce the law rigorously in cases of murder. He emphasized that no one would be allowed to exert undue influence in these operations, stating that he had received confirmation from the President regarding this matter.

As a part of the government's efforts to tackle the issue, the minister announced a public amnesty period until July 31, allowing individuals to voluntarily surrender firearms that are either unlicensed or have not been renewed. After the amnesty period ends, the police, in collaboration with other intelligence agencies, will commence raids to seize illegal firearms.

The Inspector General of Police acknowledged that the increase in murders and crimes in the Southern and Western Provinces was partly due to the inefficiency of some senior police officers and police station commanders in those areas.