According to reports received by Police Headquarters, nine murders have occurred in the New Year period between April 13 and 15.
These killings have been reported from Galewela, Alayapattu, Hakmana, Aralaganwila, Serunuwara, Kuda Oya, Balangoda, Matale and Hungama.
The Galewela Police said that a 23-year-old youth who tried to settle a dispute between two groups in Galewela was killed after being attacked with a sharp weapon.
A 37-year-old man was hacked to death in Alayapattu during a clash between two groups.
A 45-year-old man was also killed during a clash between two groups in Aralaganwila.
A 21-year-old man was stabbed to death by his uncle following a dispute, Police said.
In Serunuwara, a 41-year-old man was hacked to death by another man over an illicit love affair.
Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe