Sri Lankan Government Responds to Attorney-General’s Shocking Decision to Discharge Key Suspects in Lasantha Wickrematunge’s Assassination Case
The Sri Lankan government has reacted strongly to the recent decision by the Attorney-General, Parinda Ranasinghe (Jnr), to release three key suspects linked to the high-profile assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge, a prominent journalist. This move has taken many by surprise, especially those who have been relentlessly seeking justice for the murder of the outspoken editor, which occurred in 2009.
In a formal letter dated January 27, 2025, and sent to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Attorney-General ordered that the case against three suspects, including Premanand Udalagama, a former military intelligence officer, and Prasanna Nanayakkara, the then-Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the area, be dropped. The two individuals had previously been remanded and later released on bail after evidence surfaced linking them to the assassination and allegedly obstructing the investigation.
This unprecedented decision to discontinue proceedings against such high-ranking officials in the case has stirred up a wave of public concern. Many see this as a blow to the ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the murder of Wickrematunge, who was a fierce critic of the government and had worked tirelessly to expose corruption within the country’s political sphere.
In response to the Attorney-General’s controversial decision, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Media Spokesperson and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa addressed the issue, reassuring the public that the government is actively studying the matter. The Minister emphasized that the government is fully committed to upholding justice and will take further action after thorough consideration of the situation.
“The public is looking to us for justice, particularly in cases that involve the rule of law and democracy. The recent decision by the Attorney-General has raised important questions,” said Minister Jayatissa in a statement. “We will carefully review this decision, and the government is prepared to make a statement regarding the next steps soon.”
Troubling Message
The Attorney-General’s letter, which was also sent directly to the Mount Lavinia Magistrate and two other recipients, has ignited a firestorm of debate across the country. Critics argue that the discharge of the suspects not only undermines the rule of law but also sends a troubling message about the ability of powerful figures to evade justice. Public outcry has been loud, especially from journalists’ groups and civil society activists who have long called for accountability in the case.
Minister Jayatissa acknowledged the government’s responsibility in ensuring that such cases are handled properly and that necessary resources for investigations are provided. He also reassured the public that the government, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, had always been supportive of efforts to probe the abduction and murder of journalists and that they would continue to support any investigations moving forward.
However, he stressed that the final decisions regarding the case lay with the judiciary, and the government would respect the legal processes while striving to maintain the trust of the people. “We must ensure that justice is served, and those responsible for crimes are held accountable. Our government remains committed to democracy, justice, and the rule of law.”
As the government studies the Attorney-General’s decision, it remains to be seen whether further action will be taken in the case. The move to release the suspects has certainly raised doubts about the integrity of the investigation, but the government’s continued commitment to ensuring justice for Lasantha Wickrematunge will likely be tested in the coming week
