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Keith Noyahr, Tajjudeen, Lasantha, Eknaligoda: What’s Happening to the Investigations?
During the Rajapaksa regime, several high-profile crimes and disappearances took place, sparking widespread controversy. These cases resurfaced as key topics during the last presidential election, with the National People’s Power (NPP) government pledging to bring those responsible to justice.
Unresolved Crimes and Stalled Investigations
Many cases that were reopened during the Yahapalana government were later stalled when Gotabaya Rajapaksa came to power in 2019. Among these cases are:
The assassination of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge
The abduction and torture of journalist Keith Noyahr
The enforced disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda
The suspicious death of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen
The Case of Wasim Thajudeen
Initially declared a road accident by the Narahenpita police in 2012, Thajudeen’s case was reopened in 2015 after forensic evidence suggested murder. Key suspects, including former senior police officers, were arrested but later released on bail. Following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election, investigations slowed, and no masterminds behind the crime have been prosecuted.
Lasantha Wickrematunge’s Murder
The Sunday Leader editor was assassinated in 2009. While initial investigations under the Rajapaksa regime led to the arrest and release of military intelligence officers, the Yahapalana government resumed inquiries. However, despite naming suspects, no one has been charged to date.
The Disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda
The journalist went missing in 2010, allegedly after being abducted by military personnel. Investigations during the Yahapalana government led to charges against several army officers, but progress has since stalled.
stagnations and corruption cases have faced delays, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the justice system. Despite initial arrests and legal proceedings, many of these cases remain in limbo, with little to no progress. Here is a closer examination of some of the most notable cases that have been put on hold.
Attack on Journalist Namal Perera: No Charges Filed
Following the 2015 political shift, Colombo’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reopened an inquiry into the attack on journalist Namal Perera. Intelligence officers from the Sri Lanka Army, including Major Prabath Bulathwatta and five other suspects, were arrested and presented in court.
During the identification parade, Namal Perera identified two of the suspects. However, no formal charges were filed against the suspects, raising concerns about the handling of the case.
Assault on Rivira Editor Upali Tennakoon
On January 23, 2009, Upali Tennakoon, then editor of the Rivira newspaper, was attacked by four individuals on motorcycles while traveling with his wife. The police recorded statements but failed to make any arrests at the time.
In 2015, a fresh investigation led to the arrest of eight members of the Sri Lanka Army Intelligence Unit. During the identification parade, Tennakoon and his wife identified Premananda Udalagama and Lalith Rajapaksha as the attackers. Subsequently, the Attorney General filed indictments against these two individuals in the Gampaha High Court.
However, due to a lack of sufficient evidence, the remaining six suspects were released following instructions from the Attorney General.
The Assassination of MP Joseph Pararajasingham
On December 25, 2005, Tamil United Liberation Front MP Joseph Pararajasingham was assassinated at a church in Batticaloa during a Christmas Eve service. Allegations of an inadequate investigation under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration led to a renewed probe in 2015 under the Yahapalana government.
The Criminal Investigation Department arrested former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, known as Pillayan, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on October 11, 2015. Pillayan remained in remand custody for nearly five years.
However, following the election of Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2019, the Attorney General informed the Batticaloa High Court that the case would not proceed. Consequently, Pillayan and other suspects were released.
The MiG Aircraft Deal: Missing Documents and Stalled Investigations
The purchase of MiG fighter jets in 2006 during the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration was marred by allegations of financial irregularities. Though initial inquiries were not pursued, the 2015 government launched an investigation through the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID).
The probe revealed significant discrepancies, including the disappearance of the original contract between the Sri Lankan government and a Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer. The FCID named former Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, as a suspect.
However, after Gotabaya Rajapaksa assumed power in 2019, progress in the investigation stalled. The FCID informed the court that the Attorney General’s advice had been sought, but no instructions had been received, leaving the case unresolved.
A Pattern of Legal Delays and Political Influence?
These cases reflect a broader issue within Sri Lanka’s legal system—delays, lack of prosecution, and political interference. While initial efforts were made to pursue justice, many cases have been derailed, leaving victims and their families without closure. The lack of accountability raises concerns about whether legal proceedings are influenced by political transitions rather than justice being served.
