Key Suspects in Lasantha Murder Case Released

Controversial Decision to Release Suspects

Sri Lanka’s Attorney-General, Parinda Ranasinghe, has made a controversial decision to release three key suspects involved in the high-profile assassination case of Lasantha Wickrematunge, a prominent journalist and editor. This move has shocked many who had been hoping for justice in one of the most notorious cases in the country’s recent history.

The Suspects Involved in the Case

The suspects—Premanand Udalagama, a former military intelligence officer, and Prasanna Nanayakkara, the former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the area—had been previously linked to the murder through significant evidence. Both men had been remanded in custody or released on bail after their involvement in the crime and their efforts to obstruct the investigation were exposed.

Attorney-General’s Order to Discharge the Suspects

In a letter sent to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Attorney-General Ranasinghe ordered that the three suspects be cleared of all charges in case number B92/2009. He instructed the CID to notify the Mount Lavinia Magistrate of his decision and report back within two weeks. The letter, which was sent on January 27, 2025, has been widely circulated on social media, sparking outrage.

Udalagama’s Involvement in the Case

Udalagama had been under remand for his involvement in the abduction of Wickrematunge’s driver. The driver was allegedly threatened with death unless he stopped implicating the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) in the murder. The driver had claimed that a DMI unit was responsible for the killing of Wickrematunge, a claim that had been confirmed by the CID’s investigations in court.

Nanayakkara and the Suppression of Evidence

Nanayakkara was arrested in 2018 for suppressing crucial evidence in the case. Prior to his death, Wickrematunge had written down the registration numbers of motorcycles that had been following him on January 8, 2009—the day he was assassinated. The killers arrived on motorcycles, and the police had made initial observations at the crime scene. However, their records were later ordered to be removed from official documents.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Evidence

Wickrematunge’s notebook, which contained the motorcycle registration numbers, was handed to Nanayakkara. The DIG passed the notebook to the then-Inspector General of Police, Jayantha Wickramarathne, who is also a suspect in the alleged cover-up. The notebook mysteriously disappeared when the case was transferred to the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID).

Junior Officers’ Role in Exposing the Cover-Up

Despite the attempts by senior police officers to conceal evidence, some junior officers had secretly photocopied both Wickrematunge’s notebook and their own notes recorded in the Grave Crime Information Book (GCIB). These photocopies, along with a copy of the notebook, resurfaced at the CID almost nine years after the crime, providing fresh evidence in the case.

The Impact of the Attorney-General’s Decision

The sudden decision to release the suspects in this case has raised questions, particularly since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had urged the Attorney General’s Department to restore public confidence in Sri Lanka’s judicial system. In a statement on LinkedIn, the President emphasized that it was crucial to meet public expectations for justice and transparency.

Government’s Response and Concerns

The government has not yet issued any comments regarding the Attorney-General’s latest decision. This decision is particularly significant because it marks the second time the Attorney-General has released suspects involved in serious cases.

The Mahara Prison Massacre and Another Release

Earlier, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath expressed dissatisfaction over the Attorney General’s decision to discharge all suspects in the 2020 massacre at Mahara Prison, in which 11 inmates were killed and 117 others were injured. After four years, AG Ranasinghe cleared all suspects involved in the massacre, a move that surprised many, including the Welisara Magistrate, who openly questioned the decision. Investigations and forensic evidence pointed to the guards’ role in the killings, but those responsible are now walking free.

Wider Concerns About the Legal System

This release of suspects has further fueled concerns about the impartiality of the justice system, especially as the government also initiated impeachment proceedings against Court of Appeal President Bandula Karunarathna. Karunarathna had been refused appointment to the Supreme Court by the Constitutional Council due to past actions, but he took leave before he could be fully impeached, avoiding a legal challenge.

Growing Doubts Over Justice

The repeated release of suspects in these cases has left many questioning the ability of Sri Lanka’s legal system to deliver justice, especially in high-profile cases where the accused have close connections to the country’s powerful institutions