Ahimsa Wickrematunge Challenges Sri Lanka Bar Association Over Inconsistent Stance on Justice
Ahimsa Wickrematunge, daughter of the assassinated journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, has issued a letter to Anura B. Meddegoda, the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), questioning its inconsistent stance on controversial crimes that have remained unresolved over time. Her letter raises serious concerns about the BASL’s response to the Attorney General’s handling of high-profile criminal cases and its commitment to justice.
Background: A Journalist’s Unsolved Murder
Lasantha Wickrematunge, the founding editor of The Sunday Leader, was a fearless journalist known for his critical reporting on government corruption and human rights violations. On January 8, 2009, he was brutally assassinated in broad daylight near Colombo, a murder widely believed to be politically motivated. Before his death, he had predicted his own assassination in a powerful editorial, stating that his killing would be used to silence dissent. Despite multiple investigations, justice for his murder remains elusive, with no convictions to date.
The case has seen numerous delays, alleged cover-ups, and accusations of tampering with evidence, including manipulated police reports. Successive governments have failed to hold perpetrators accountable, fueling concerns about political interference and a lack of judicial independence.
Ahimsa’s Accusations Against BASL and the Attorney General
In her letter, Ahimsa highlights the Bar Association’s contradictory reactions to the Attorney General’s role in high-profile criminal cases. She points out that the BASL has taken strong public stances on certain legal matters but has failed to adequately address the continued delay in prosecuting those responsible for her father’s assassination.
She also references a public statement by Meddegoda, in which he claimed that the BASL stands at the forefront of defending human rights. However, Ahimsa questions the sincerity of this claim, emphasizing that justice has been consistently delayed for victims of politically sensitive cases.
Furthermore, she accuses the Attorney General’s office of failing to properly investigate her father’s murder, alleging that key evidence has been ignored and crucial witness testimonies sidelined. She condemns the use of distorted police reports and claims that judicial decisions have been made without comprehensive investigations.
Calls for Accountability
Ahimsa Wickrematunge is calling for immediate action to address these judicial failures. In her letter, she demands:
A firm and consistent stance from the BASL in holding the Attorney General accountable for the failure to deliver justice.
The initiation of impeachment proceedings against the Attorney General for undermining the rule of law.
A broader commitment from the BASL to advocate for victims of judicial mishandling, beyond just her father’s case.
She specifically highlights cases that have been mishandled or abandoned under the tenure of former Chief Justice Parinda Ranasinghe, insisting that the legal community must take a stronger stance in ensuring justice for all victims.
