Sri Lankan police today launched a crackdown on people possessing illegal firearms in the Western Province in a bid to curb the increasing "gun culture."
Police spokesman Ajith Rohana told reporters that the operation was targeted at ending incidents of violence involving illegal firearms.
"We want to put an end to the gun culture. The informants will be duly rewarded," Rohana said.
He added that the operation which focused on the Western Province for the time being but would be expanded to other parts of the country as well.
At least two people were shot dead while a 16-year-old was wounded in separate incidents in the Western province.
Seven deaths has been reported in Colombo recently. SSP Rohana said that these incidents were linked to drug and underworld activities, The Nation online reported.
He said even those with gun permits would have to undergo scrutiny as part of the crackdown.
"We will need to know the purpose of use (of weapons)," Rohana added.
