Police Deploy Four Teams to Probe Assassination of Weligama PS Chairman

COLOMBO (News 1st); Police Media Spokesman Assistant Superintendent Frederick Wootler says four special police teams have been deployed to investigate the fatal shooting of Lasantha Wickramasekara, Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha.

He urged the public to come forward with any information related to the shooting and to notify the police immediately.

Lasantha Wickramasekara was shot dead yesterday morning inside his office at the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha premises.

Police stated that two gunmen arrived on a motorcycle, entered the premises, and opened fire at the Chairman before fleeing the scene.

According to eyewitnesses, the two men entered the council premises, and one of them walked directly into the Chairman’s office. 

It was a public day, and the Chairman had been seated at his official desk while meeting with the public. 

Two visitors had been seated in front of him moments before the shooting occurred.

According to our correspondent, another person, who was a pradeshiya sabha member of the Chairman's party the SJB, was also in the office room.

As a staff member entered the room carrying tea, the gunman had also entered the room, making his move and opening fire at the Chairman.

The Chairman who sustained serious injuries following the shooting, had collapsed next to his seat. 

Thereafter, he was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, by the staffers of the Pradeshiya Sabha.

Police confirmed that Lasantha Wickremesekara had already succumbed to his injuries by the time he was admitted to the hospital.

Police added that the Chairman was shot 4 times using a 9mm pistol, to his head and his chest area.

Later in the evening, Matara Chief Magistrate Chathura Dissanayake conducted a magisterial inquiry at the scene of the incident.

Lasantha Wickramasekara who contested the local government elections recently under Samagi Jana Balawegaya, was elected as the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha.

Wickramasekara was a 38-year-old father of three.