Weeraketiya PS official shot dead

The vice-chairman of the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha, W. D. Sumith, was shot dead on Friday night by an unidentified person, said the Walasmulla police.

Mr. Sumith was riding a motorbike on his way home after a wedding when he was attacked. The incident occurred about 11.30 pm. Two others were injured in the attack.

According to Pradeshiya Sabha chairman Gunathilake Jaysekera, the deceased had recently cleared several shops along the Weeraketiya-Walasmulla Road in a road-widening exercise. He said many objections had been raised, and complaints against the deceased lodged with the police. The Walasmulla police said no one so far has been taken into custody in connection with the murder, and that the motive for the crime is still unknown.