A tense atmosphere prevailed in Parliament yesterday following the announcement of the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman (SJB), Lasantha Wickramasekara, who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during a public council event.
Raising the matter during the parliamentary session, Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa said Wickramasekara had been shot while carrying out his official duties at the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha’s public day.
“He was engaged in service to the people when he was shot inside a state institution. This is not just an attack on an individual, but on democracy itself,” Premadasa charged. “If elected public officials are not safe in their offices, what does that say about national security?”
The situation in Parliament grew tense as Premadasa later informed the House that the wounded local council chairman had succumbed to his injuries.
Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne assured that investigations into the incident were already underway. “The Police and relevant authorities will probe the matter thoroughly,” he stated.
Chief Government Whip and Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also addressed the chamber, confirming that a police investigation had been launched. He noted that Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala was expected to brief Parliament on the incident and the progress of the probe.
“The government condemns this act of violence and is fully committed to preventing such crimes in the future,” Minister Jayatissa said.
He said that a full statement by the Ministry of Public Security was expected as investigations continued into the motive and suspects involved in the attack.
By Saman Indrajith