The Sri Lanka Police have launched a special investigation into the Police officers involved in the arrest of the suspect wanted over the murder of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Lasantha Wickramasekara, it was reported. 

According to the Police Spokesman, ASP F.U. Wootler, the probe has been launched, focused on the recording and publishing of video footage on social media of the arrest.

He further said that the IGP has focused special attention on the matter and has instructed the probe to be conducted under a special investigation unit.

The Police Spokesman noted that presenting a suspect in a case being deliberated before the court could result in affecting court proceedings and the aggrieved party. 

The gunman wanted for the murder of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman was arrested in the Navinna area in Maharagama on October 26. (Newswire)

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Former BAR Association President and President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris has criticized the recent actions of the Police for publicly questioning the suspect arrested in the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara’s murder case.

His remarks come after a video showing Police officers interrogating the suspect soon after his arrest went viral on social media.

Peiris said arrests and criminal investigations must be conducted strictly in accordance with the procedure established by law. He warned that parading suspects before the media, getting them to make statements, and circulating such footage may excite some sections of the public but would ultimately harm the prosecution once the trial begins.

“These childish acts do not enhance the image of the Police and are counterproductive. It calls into question the professionalism of the investigators and brings disrepute to the whole system,” he added.

Peiris emphasized that adherence to due process and maintaining the integrity of investigations are vital to ensuring justice and preserving public confidence in law enforcement. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says information has been received on the suspects involved in the murder of the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, who was shot dead yesterday.

Minister Wijepala said that soon after the shooting incident, directives were issued to the IGP and the CID to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Minister Wijepala further said that 04 Police teams were deployed to investigate, after which information has now been received on the suspects.

He said that all suspects involved in the murder will be arrested within the next 02 to 03 days.

The Minister of Public Security made the revelation while addressing the Parliament of Sri Lanka today. (Newswire)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament today that the Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, who was shot dead today, was involved with the underworld. 

Wijepala assured that there is no threat to national security, despite shooting incidents in the recent past, including the murder of Wickramasekara.

There is an evident clash between organized crime groups in the country who are also in possession of weapons, the Public Security Minister said, adding that today’s shooting was also one such incident. 

He further said that despite Lasantha Wickramasekara being elected as a public representative, he was an underworld figure with six court cases against him. 

“02 cases have been filed at the Matara High Court, 02 cases at the Kurunegala High Court, and 02 at the Galle High Court. He is someone under a suspended prison sentence. He is linked to underworld activities,” the minister said. 

Minister Wijepala further revealed that investigations into the underworld figures recently arrested in Indonesia have found that Lasantha Wickramasekara was in possession of several weapons. 

Minister Ananda Wijepala emphasized that even though he is a politician and public representative elected via the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), he is an underworld figure. 

The Minister, however, said that the government does not approve of the death of a criminal, as the government is one that recgonizes the value of human life. 

The Minister of Public Security said that a comprehensive investigation is underway into the shooting incident. 

Watch: https://www.facebook.com/reel/791678930451087 (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police says a pistol-type firearm is suspected to have been used in the shooting that targeted the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman today. 

According to the Police, the gunman, who had entered the local council, had shot the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman while inside the chamber.

The Police further said that the suspects had fled the area soon after the shooting incident this morning.

The victim, a 38-year-old resident of Midigama, had succumbed to injuries after being admitted to the Matara Hospital. 

The Weligama Police have launched investigations to apprehend the suspects wanted over the shooting. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member and Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, who was injured in a shooting incident in Weligama today, has succumbed to injuries. 

According to the Police, two unidentified individuals who arrived on a motorcycle had opened fire at Wickramasekara while he was inside the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chamber.

Soon after, Lasantha Wickramasekara was rushed to the Matara Hospital, where he succumbed to injuries. 

Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the incident. (Newswire)

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Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member and Chairman of the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha, Lasantha Wickramasekara, has been injured in a shooting incident in Weligama.

According to police reports, two unidentified individuals who arrived on a motorcycle had opened fire at Wickramasekara earlier today.

It is reported that he was shot while inside the Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chamber.

Soon after, Lasantha Wickramasekara was rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.

Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the incident. (Newswire)

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