Senior journalist Sunanda Deshapriya said that it is hoped that prompt investigations will begin under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake regarding the killings and disappearances of journalists, which had been the subject of much controversy in Sri Lanka.
He said the current Government had made promises in this regard before taking office.
Deshapriya said that the disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda, the murder of Lasantha Wickramatunga, the mysterious death of Wasim Thajudeen and the mass killings in Trincomalee should be resolved immediately. Apart from this, there are many misdeeds including threats of attacks on journalists. For all those misdeeds, the law must be really implemented under the new Government.
“I see this as the last chance to conduct these investigations. Especially, the President as well as the Samagi Jana Balawegaya gave promises in this regard, that these crimes will be properly investigated. Now both parties and the Opposition should come together and draw up a system for investigation, he said.
The Criminal Investigation Department should also be empowered to carry out those activities independently. Steps should be taken to investigate the matter through the Court. If not, another 10 to 15 years will go on for this, he said.
“During the Yahapalana Government, investigations were started in this regard, but it was stopped midway. There is a lot of pressure from the sectors related to crimes to stop it. We need a strong Government to deal with it. We think it will take place under this President. If that does not happen, we demand that it be done immediately,’’ Deshapriya said.
