Colombo — A chilling act of political violence struck the southern coastal town of Weligama in Sri Lanka on October 22, 2025, when Lasantha Wickramasekara, aged 38, was assassinated while at his office meeting with constituents. The victim served as the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha (local government council) and represented the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party.
The Incident
According to police statements, the attack occurred within the premises of the council office. Two unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle reportedly gained access by claiming they needed the chairman’s signature on a document. Once inside, they opened fire with a revolver. Wickramasekara was struck multiple times and later died of his wounds at Matara General Hospital. No other casualties were reported.
Wickramasekara 's death marks what local authorities describe as the first known assassination of a political figure in the recent upsurge of gun violence in Sri Lanka , a wave primarily attributed to criminal gangs, drug-trafficking ring conflicts and organized crime networks.
Political and Criminal Context
Wickramasekara 's political positioning as a member of the SJB placed him in a council power struggle with ruling-party interests in Weligama , a dynamic that may have contributed to tensions. However, in a complicating twist, Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala alleged that Wickramasekara had active links to underworld activity, noting multiple court cases against him and purported weapons possession.
This intertwining of politics and gang influences in local government underscores the fragile nature of law and order in various parts of Sri Lanka. Police statistics show that in 2025 the country has already registered more than 100 shooting incidents leaving at least 50 deaths, pointing to an escalating trend of armed violence.
Investigation and Response
The Sri Lankan police have mobilized multiple investigative teams four separate units were assigned to probe this killing alone. The Senior Deputy Inspector General for the Southern Province has issued directives for immediate action, and forensics and CCTV footage are being analyzed.
At present, the motive remains unclear. The public security minister emphasized that despite Wickramasekara 's political office, his alleged criminal links meant the killing was not primarily a political assassination but part of broader gang violence.
Implications for Sri Lanka’s Governance and Safety
The assassination sends a troubling signal for Sri Lanka’s democracy and rule of law. A political officeholder being gunned down in broad daylight suggests either a breakdown of security or the brazen reach of criminal networks into public institutions.
Furthermore, the killing is likely to heighten public concern and could increase pressure on the current government to deliver on its law-and-order promises. The mix of gang violence, political rivalries and alleged corruption creates a volatile environment in which citizens may feel increasingly unsafe.
Local Impact and Broader Repercussions
In Weligama, a tourism-dependent coastal town known for surf beaches and local governance, the assassination may deter civic engagement, chill local politics and undermine confidence in elected representatives. The image of governance itself is tarnished when a councilor is eliminated during official duties.
At a national level, this event may become a test case for how Sri Lanka handles political violence, organized crime infiltration of politics, and whether investigations and prosecutions will be effective and transparent.
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