The fatal shooting of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekera has reignited public concern over the government’s handling of Sri Lanka’s escalating wave of gun violence. The daylight killing has once again drawn attention to growing fears about public safety amid a surge in organized crime-related shootings across the country.
Wickramasekera, 38, popularly known as “Midigama Lasa”, and a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), was gunned down inside his office yesterday morning by two unidentified men who arrived on a motorcycle. Police said the assailant, dressed in a white suit and wearing a black mask, had entered the office posing as a visitor seeking the Chairman’s signature on a letter before shooting him three times in the head at close range.
The attack occurred during a public day when residents were permitted to meet the Chairman. Pradeshiya Sabha officials rushed him to the Matara General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on admission. CCTV footage showed the gunman fleeing the scene on a motorcycle with an accomplice shortly after the attack.
Police confirmed that a 9mm-type pistol had been used in the assassination. Wickramasekera, a father of three, had been elected Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha after contesting the last local government election under the SJB ticket. Investigators said he was known to be a close associate of imprisoned underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka, alias “Harak Kata.”
The killing marks the first political assassination under the new NPP government and has triggered uproar in Parliament, with opposition MPs demanding answers from the government on its failure to uphold law and order.
According to police data, yesterday’s shooting was the 103rd gun-related incident reported in the country this year, bringing the death toll to 52, including several innocent victims. Of these incidents, 76 are believed to be linked to organized criminal networks. The most recent prior incident occurred in Hikkaduwa on October 20, when shots were fired at a residence, though no casualties were reported.
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday that all suspects involved in the Weligama shooting and other recent attacks would be brought to justice. “These crimes are the result of narcotics, underworld activities, and the circulation of illegal firearms in society,” he said, adding that four special police teams had been deployed to investigate the killing.
“The Police, security forces, and intelligence units are working together to tackle this menace. It is everyone’s responsibility to eradicate it. The President and the government are leading this drive,” the Minister said.
Police Spokesman ASP Frederick Wootler said operations are ongoing in coordination with the Tri-Forces and other law enforcement agencies to dismantle organized crime groups and recover illegal weapons.
Despite the surge in violence, the government maintains that there is no active national security threat, with Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha stating that such incidents fall under the purview of the Ministry of Public Security.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya reiterated the urgent need for stronger legislation to combat the rising tide of drug-related and organized criminal activity, noting that the current legal framework remains inadequate to support long-term enforcement and preventive measures.
