Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, alias ‘Midigama Lasa’, was shot dead yesterday (22) inside his office while seated in the Chairman’s chair.

It has now been revealed that Wickramasekara had previously lodged a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over threats to his life, explicitly requesting protection, according to Journalist Tharindu Jayawardhana.

The request was officially recorded in an affidavit submitted to IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya on 29 August, under the title “Regarding securing my life safety.”

In the complaint, Wickramasekara stated that he had been receiving threats from various parties since the time he was about to assume duties as PS Chairman, including threats circulated via social media. He noted that he had informed the police on several occasions about these incidents.

He further expressed concern that he could be assassinated while attending court sessions or leaving the Pradeshiya Sabha premises.

Wickramasekara’s affidavit reportedly named several individuals he believed were behind the threats, including underworld figures Rotumba Amila and Kanjapani Imran. He claimed to have received credible information that organised crime groups based in the Southern Province and around Colombo were plotting to kill him.

Due to the gravity of the threats, he said police intelligence officers and divisional police had advised him to remain vigilant and requested adequate protection both during and after office hours.

Following his assassination, four police teams have been deployed to investigate the killing.