Ahimsa Wickrematunge, daughter of the late veteran journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, expressed hope that the newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will bring justice for her father’s assassination.
In a post on X, she shared her optimism, looking forward to working with the new government to pursue accountability and justice in Sri Lanka. Wickrematunge conveyed these thoughts after President Dissanayake assumed office as the country’s 9th President.
She said:
Today, we stand with hope and unwavering determination in seeking justice for my father, whose life was unjustly taken for speaking truth to power. Fifteen years on, the pain still lingers, but I remain resolute in my pursuit of truth and accountability.Yesterday’s election result has given us renewed hope. The JVP has historically challenged the establishment, and we are optimistic that this new leadership will finally address the atrocities that have marked Sri Lanka’s recent human rights history.
Despite overwhelming evidence provided by brave detectives like Shani Abeysekara and Nishantha Silva, for 15 years, successive governments have refused to take meaningful action on my father’s assassination. This starkly highlights the country’s entrenched culture of impunity, leaving my family no choice but to seek justice beyond our shores.
For the first time, we felt hopeful that justice could prevail, regardless of the election’s outcome. Our family would like to extend our gratitude to Sajith Premadasa, who has personally and consistently promised justice under a Premadasa presidency. He fought long and hard in his campaign and has worked tirelessly for all Sri Lankans.
The people have spoken, and we congratulate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has vowed to seek justice for my father and countless other families who suffered horrific losses during the Rajapaksa reign of terror. We look forward to working with his government to ensure accountability and a just Sri Lanka. Though the road to justice is long and difficult, I remain committed to honoring my father’s legacy and continuing the fight for justice.
