Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Weligama Organiser Rehan Jayawickrama has strongly questioned the government’s narrative over the killing of Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, calling it a “convenient cover-up under the label of underworld activity.”
Jayawickrama revealed that in August 2025, the late Chairman had formally written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), warning of threats to his life and even outlining a planned assassination attempt either outside court or at the Pradeshiya Sabha premises. The letter also requested police protection, which he says was never granted.
He said claims now being circulated about the slain Chairman were “nothing new,” pointing out that the same allegations had surfaced months ago when the NPP government faced criticism for alleged politically motivated abductions and staged shootings.
“The late Chairman won his ward in Midigama with 67% of the vote. He wasn’t handpicked through a national list; he earned his mandate directly from the people,” Jayawickrama stated, questioning how a person the government now labels a ‘known criminal’ was allowed to contest, win, and hold office under its own administration.
He further noted that many of the cases cited against Wickramasekara originated during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration under what he described as “corrupt and politically influenced police officials.”
“Special protection for him and other SJB members was requested multiple times. The response was silence,” he added, accusing the authorities of turning a blind eye until tragedy struck.
Jayawickrama said dismissing the killing as an underworld issue shows hypocrisy, adding that “everyone deserves their day in court” and that the slain Chairman was murdered “inside his official workplace, on the very chair he was elected to occupy.” (Newswire)