Police Media Spokesman Assistant Superintendent Frederick Wootler announced that four special police teams have been deployed to investigate the fatal shooting of Lasantha Wickramasekara, Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha.
Wootler urged members of the public to come forward with any information related to the incident and to immediately inform the police.
Wickramasekara was shot dead yesterday morning inside his office at the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha premises. According to police, two unidentified gunmen arrived on a motorcycle, entered the building, and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Eyewitnesses said one of the assailants walked directly into the Chairman’s office while he was meeting members of the public. It had been a public day, and two visitors were seated in front of Wickramasekara at the time. Another councillor from his own party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), was also present in the room.
As a staff member entered the office carrying tea, the gunman entered simultaneously and opened fire at the Chairman. Wickramasekara, who sustained severe gunshot injuries, collapsed next to his seat. Staff members immediately rushed him to hospital, but police later confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries upon admission.
According to investigators, the 38-year-old father of three had been shot four times—once in the head and three times in the chest—with a 9mm pistol.
Matara Chief Magistrate Chathura Dissanayake conducted a magisterial inquiry at the scene later in the evening.
Lasantha Wickramasekara, widely known in the area as “Midigama Lasa,” was elected Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya at the most recent local government elections.
