Tragic Demise: Sri Lankan Politician Shot Amid Island's Crime Surge

An opposition politician in Sri Lanka was fatally shot by an unidentified assailant at his office in a daylight attack on Wednesday. Lasantha Wickramasekara, known as the council head of Weligama in southern Sri Lanka, was targeted while attending to official duties.

According to police reports, the gunman stormed into the office and opened fire with a pistol before fleeing. Wickramasekara succumbed to his injuries soon after being hospitalized.

The incident marks the first political assassination amidst a spate of shootings linked to gang rivalries over drug distribution. As the crime wave intensifies, the government has vowed to enforce strict law and order and dismantle gang networks.