Police Headquarters has confirmed that Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, who was shot dead this week, had written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in early September requesting protection after receiving death threats.
According to the Police, Wickramasekara’s letter, dated September 6, was forwarded through official channels — from the IGP to the Senior DIG in charge of the Southern Province, and subsequently to the DIG Matara–Hambantota Range and the SSP Matara. The SSP had then instructed the Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of the Weligama and Midigama Police Stations to take the necessary steps.
However, the Police statement issued today did not clarify whether any form of security or protection was ultimately provided to the local authority chairman before his assassination.
Investigations into the killing are continuing under the supervision of senior officers from the Southern Province. (Newswire)
