The Sri Lankan police said the shooting of the Batticaloa Land Reform Commissioner, Nesakumar Vimalaraj on Wednesday was a contract job over Mr Vimalaraj's opposition to land in Eravur being illegally aquired by politicians, the Daily Mirror reported.
According to the paper, police have instructed two teams to investigate the shooting.
Mr Vimalaraj was shot after he was called outside by two unidentified motorcyclists, whose faces were covered by helmets.
Mr Vimalraj was immediately taken to Kaluvanchikudy Hospital, and later transferred to Batticaloa Teaching Hospital for further care.
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