Investigations have been launched through CCTV footage regarding yesterday’s murder of the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, police stated.

According to Senior DIG of Police for the Southern Province, Kithsiri Jayalath, four police teams have commenced investigations.

Wickramasekara was shot dead inside his office at the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha by an unidentified gunman yesterday morning.

The shooter, dressed in a white shirt and black face mask, had entered the chairman’s office pretending to sign a document. CCTV footage captured the assailant firing four shots at Wickramasekara, who was seated at his desk, before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle with another person.

The Chairman sustained severe injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen and was admitted to Matara General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Police suspect that a faction linked to ‘Midigama Ruwan’, currently detained at Boossa Prison, may be behind the killing.

It was also revealed that on August 29, Wickramasekara had written to the Inspector General of Police, requesting security protection due to threats to his life.

Meanwhile, a special meeting was held last night (22) under the leadership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the assassination. Senior members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, including MPs, participated in the discussion.

Following the meeting, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara described the incident as a “political assassination.”