Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Shot Dead in His Office

Further details have now emerged regarding the fatal shooting of Lasantha Wickramasekara, Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, who was gunned down inside his official office this morning.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) — a public day when the chairman meets residents at the local council. Wickramasekara, aged 38 and a father of three, was rushed to the Matara General Hospital immediately after the shooting, but he had already succumbed to his injuries upon admission.

Witnesses say two men arrived on a motorcycle, and one of them carried out the shooting. CCTV footage shows the suspect mingling among the public who were waiting to meet the chairman, calmly waiting for his turn.

The assailant, dressed in a white shirt and black face mask, had his left hand bandaged with what appeared to be a plaster dressing and was wearing wireless earphones (AirPods). He is also seen holding several file folders in his right hand, in which police believe he had concealed the firearm used in the attack.

Because today was a public day, the chairman was seated at his official desk, meeting visitors one by one. The suspect, like other members of the public, sat outside the office waiting for his turn. When his time came, he entered the office while two other visitors and another Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) councilor were present.

As soon as a female clerk stepped out of the room, the assailant drew a pistol hidden inside the file and fired four shots at Wickramasekara — targeting his head and neck. After the shooting, the suspect fled on the same motorcycle he had arrived on. The entire sequence was captured on the office’s CCTV cameras.

Matara Chief Magistrate Chathura Dissanayake visited the scene in the afternoon and conducted the magisterial inquiry on site.

A Controversial Political Background

Lasantha Wickramasekara had been elected chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha amid a highly volatile political backdrop. Representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), he won the July 24 election by a narrow margin of 23 votes, while his rival candidate from the National People’s Power (NPP) obtained 22 votes.

Previous council sessions had been marred by allegations that NPP members were abducted before crucial meetings, and one NPP member’s house had come under gunfire in the same period.

Known locally by his alias “Midigama Lasa,” the slain chairman was reported to have maintained close links with underworld figures, including the notorious criminal Harak Kata. He had previously been a suspect in several robberies and planned murders, and had even served remand prison time before entering politics.

His past associations reportedly caused controversy within the party when he was nominated as the SJB’s candidate for the chairman post.

Public Outcry and Political Reaction

Meanwhile, there has been strong criticism directed at the government, as opposition figures and civil groups accuse authorities of attempting to justify the killing by highlighting the victim’s criminal past rather than addressing the failure of law and order.

Critics argue that regardless of a person’s background, no citizen should be executed in broad daylight, especially within a government institution under official protection. They are calling for a transparent and impartial investigation into the shooting.

Police Investigation Underway

The motive behind the killing remains unclear. However, four special police teams have already launched investigations under the supervision of the Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) for the Southern Province.

Police sources say CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and ballistic evidence will be crucial in identifying the gunman and uncovering the wider network behind what appears to be a well-planned political assassination.