Sri Lanka has been shaken by yet another act of political violence as Lasantha Wickramasekara, opposition council chairman of Weligama, was shot dead at his office on Tuesday, October 22. The brutal daylight killing has sparked outrage and renewed fears of growing lawlessness in the southern region.

Wickramasekara, 38, was a rising figure in local politics and a vocal critic of certain government policies. His assassination comes amid increasing reports of gang-related violence and political intimidation in southern Sri Lanka.


According to police sources, an unidentified gunman entered Wickramasekara’s Weligama office around noon and opened fire before fleeing on a motorcycle. The politician sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Matara General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told reporters that early investigations suggest the attack might be linked to gang rivalry, indicating that Wickramasekara had been connected to several criminal cases in the past.

However, opposition lawmakers have dismissed this claim, calling it an attempt to divert attention from the political nature of the killing. They have demanded an independent investigation, accusing authorities of failing to ensure the safety of public representatives.

Local residents described the shooting as “a chilling warning” that political violence may be making a comeback in areas once considered peaceful.


Security forces have set up multiple checkpoints around Weligama, and a special police task force has been deployed to hunt down the suspects. Forensic experts collected bullet casings and CCTV footage from nearby establishments to trace the gunman’s route.

This incident adds to a string of recent violent attacks targeting local leaders and business figures in Sri Lanka’s southern province. Civil rights groups have urged the government to strengthen law enforcement and protect opposition members from targeted attacks.


The killing of Lasantha Wickramasekara has not only exposed the fragile state of local governance but also reignited concerns about Sri Lanka’s political stability. As the investigation unfolds, both national and international observers are calling for justice and transparency in uncovering the truth behind the assassination.