Black in the House: SJB MPs Protest Murder of Weligama Chairman

by Zulfick Farzan 23-10-2025 | 12:47 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Members of Parliament from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) arrived at Parliament this (24) morning dressed in black attire, staging a silent protest against the recent wave of violent crimes, including the brutal assassination of Weligama Urban Council Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara.

The protest, held within the parliamentary chambers, was aimed at condemning what the opposition described as the growing culture of crime and political violence in the country.

Lasantha Wickramasekara was shot dead inside his official office on the morning of October 22.

His body was brought to his residence in Midigama earlier today (23), where a large crowd gathered to pay their final respects. The funeral is scheduled for October 26.

Wickramasekara, 38, a father of three and a member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya party, was seated at his desk during a public day at the council office when two men arrived on a motorbike. According to eyewitnesses, one of the men entered the chairman’s official chamber while the other remained seated in the front row of the public area.

At the time of the incident, another council member from the same party was present in the office. A staff member had just entered the room to serve tea when the gunman followed and opened fire. CCTV footage reportedly shows the suspects entering and fleeing the premises.

Police confirmed that Wickramasekara was shot four times — in the head and chest — with a 9mm pistol. He collapsed beside his chair, and council staff immediately rushed him to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

Assistant Police Superintendent F.U. Wootler stated that four specialized police teams have been deployed to investigate the killing. Initial findings suggest that the two suspects fled the scene on the same motorbike they arrived on.

Wickramasekara had contested the last local government election under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya banner and was serving as the chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha at the time of his death.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities pursuing multiple leads.