Six, including gunman, held for 72 hours over murder of Weligama PS Chairman
COLOMBO – Police was on Monday (27) granted permission to detain for 72 hours six suspects, including the alleged gunman and motorcycle rider, arrested in connection with the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, for further questioning.
The suspected shooter, who was apprehended in Nawinna on Saturday (26), was produced before the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer earlier on Monday (27). He is currently being held in the custody of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) for further interrogation.
Wickramasekara was shot dead on Wednesday (22) inside his office at the Weligama PS premises by a gunman wearing a facemask and posing as a visitor.
According to police, the assailant, dressed in a white shirt and black face mask, entered the chairman’s office claiming he needed to sign a document. CCTV footage captured the suspect firing four shots at Wickramasekara, who was seated at his desk, before escaping on a motorcycle ridden by an accomplice.
The PS Chairman sustained gunshot injuries to the head, chest, and abdomen and was rushed to Matara General Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the assassination, multiple police teams were deployed under the direct supervision of SDIG Kithsiri Jayalath to trace and apprehend the perpetrators. Investigations are ongoing.
-ENCL
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