Image: Dan Priyasad was a political supporter of Namal Rajapaksa.
(Sri Lanka Brief, September 24, 2025) — Sri Lankan police have arrested three suspects, including a former soldier, in connection with the fatal shooting of Sinhala nationalist activist Dan Priyasad. The arrests mark a significant development in a case that has stirred political and social tensions across the island.
The suspects, aged between 39 and 55 and hailing from Kegalle and Welioya, were apprehended at a rented residence in Ranwala. Police recovered a cache of contraband from the premises, including 12,400 sticks of cigarettes, narcotics, and five elephant pearls—raising suspicions of broader criminal activity.
One of the arrested men, a former soldier who had not been formally discharged from military service, is believed to be the gunman responsible for Priyasad’s assassination. He is also suspected of involvement in a separate shooting incident in Mahabage last year.
Priyasad, 39, was gunned down on April 22 at the Laksanda Sevana Housing Complex in Wellampitiya. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and shoulders and succumbed to his injuries the following morning. The assailants fled the scene on a motorcycle.
A Controversial Figure
Dan Priyasad rose to prominence in the aftermath of the 2009 Mullivaikkal massacre, using social media to promote Sinhala nationalist rhetoric under the banner of “protecting the nation.” He later founded the Nawa Sinhale National Movement and aligned himself with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), gaining notoriety for his inflammatory speeches and public threats.
In 2016, Priyasad referred to himself as the “Saviour of the Sinhalese” and publicly threatened to carry out a suicide bombing targeting Muslims. He was arrested following complaints from parliamentarians.
A year later, he was named in a complaint by the Centre for Human Rights and Research (CHR) for leading a mob attack on a UN safehouse sheltering Rohingya refugees. The incident violated court-imposed bail conditions stemming from his earlier arrest.
Following the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, Priyasad was identified by then-Minister Navin Dissanayake as one of the leaders behind “systematic” anti-Muslim riots. His role in inciting violence was widely condemned by civil society and international observers.
During the 2022 Aragalaya protests, Priyasad aligned with pro-government forces and threatened demonstrators, claiming to have collected personal data on protest participants. He was arrested on May 9, 2022, for attacking peaceful protesters and was later remanded for violating bail conditions.
A Broader Pattern of Violence
Priyasad’s assassination is part of a troubling surge in violent crime across Sri Lanka’s southern region this year. Analysts warn that the killing reflects deeper fractures in the country’s post-conflict political landscape, where extremist ideologies, organized crime, and unresolved grievances continue to fuel instability.
Police investigations into the murder are ongoing, with further arrests expected as authorities probe the wider network behind the shooting.
Timeline: Dan Priyasad’s Rise and Controversies
2009–2015: Post-War Nationalism and Online Activism
- Following the end of the civil war in May 2009, Priyasad began using Facebook and other platforms to promote Sinhala nationalist rhetoric.
- He positioned himself as a defender of the Sinhalese majority, often targeting Tamil and Muslim communities under the banner of “protecting the nation.”
2016: Threats and Arrest
- At a protest held at Fort Railway Station, Priyasad publicly threatened to carry out a suicide bombing targeting Muslims.
- He was arrested after several MPs filed complaints, citing incitement to violence and hate speech.
2017: Rohingya Refugee Attack
- Priyasad was named by the Centre for Human Rights and Research (CHR) for leading a mob that stormed a UN safehouse sheltering 31 Rohingya refugees.
- The attack violated bail conditions from his 2016 arrest. Legal complaints were filed against him for breaching court-imposed sanctions.
2019: Easter Bombings and Anti-Muslim Riots
- In the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks, Priyasad was identified by Minister Navin Dissanayake as one of the leaders behind “systematic” anti-Muslim violence.
- He was linked to extremist Buddhist organizations accused of inciting riots and hate campaigns.
2022: Aragalaya Protests and Retaliation
- During the mass protests against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Priyasad led a pro-government march and threatened demonstrators, claiming to have collected their personal data.
- On May 9, he was arrested for attacking peaceful protesters and remanded for repeatedly violating bail conditions.
2023–2025: Continued Activity and Assassination
- Priyasad remained active in Sinhala nationalist circles and maintained ties with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).
- On April 22, 2025, he was shot multiple times at the Laksanda Sevana Housing Complex in Wellampitiya. He died the following morning.
- In September 2025, police arrested three suspects, including a former soldier believed to be the gunman.