Police has been allowed to detain for 72 hours the six suspects arrested over the killing of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Chairperson Lasantha Wickramasekara, for further questioning.

The suspects include the suspected gunman and the motorcycle rider.

Earlier on Monday (27), the suspected shooter arrested in connection with the murder was produced before the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer. Following his arrest in Nawinna on 26 October evening, the suspect was detained in the custody of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division.

Wickramasekara was shot dead on 22 October, inside his office at the Weligama PS premises by a gunman wearing a facemask and disguised as a visitor. According to the Police, the assailant, dressed in a white shirt and wearing a black face mask, entered Wickramasekara’s office under the pretext of signing a letter. 

Closed circuit television camera (CCTV) footage showed the suspect firing four shots at Wickramasekara, who was seated at his official desk, before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle with an accomplice. Wickramasekara sustained injuries to the head, chest, and abdomen and was admitted to the Matara District General Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

Following the incident, Police teams were deployed under the direct supervision of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Kithsiri Jayalath to investigate and apprehend those responsible.