Legal Talks, Political Ripples —Gammanpila Meets Pillayan

A recent meeting between prominent lawyer and former MP Udaya Gammanpila and Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as Pillayan, has stirred significant political and legal interest in Sri Lanka.

Pillayan, the former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province and ex-State Minister, is currently being held under a 90-day detention order by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the abduction and disappearance of former Eastern University Vice Chancellor, Professor Sivasubramaniam Ravindranath. His arrest took place on April 8, marking a pivotal turn in a case that has haunted the island’s post-war justice process for over a decade.

A Lawyer’s Visit

Speaking to the media, Gammanpila confirmed that he had recently met with Pillayan, stating the visit was in his capacity as Pillayan’s legal counsel. According to Gammanpila, the discussion lasted approximately 30 minutes. During this conversation, Pillayan reportedly spoke emotionally about the pain and isolation he is facing while in custody—at times, even breaking down in tears.

The meeting was authorized by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijeyapala, who explained that the permission was granted solely on the basis of Gammanpila’s legal representation of the detainee.

A Political Undercurrent

Beyond the legal framework, this case has taken on deeper political dimensions. According to reports, United National Party (UNP) leader and President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also sought permission through the CID to speak with Pillayan over the phone. However, Minister Wijeyapala clarified that this request was denied, citing the illegality of phone communication with a detainee under remand.

This denial suggests growing political sensitivity around the case. Pillayan, once seen as a key political figure in the East with ties to both former militant circles and mainstream politics, holds information that could have broader implications.

A Case Under the Spotlight

The abduction of Professor Ravindranath in 2006 shocked the academic and human rights communities. While suspicion surrounded several paramilitary-linked political figures at the time, it wasn’t until recently that significant progress seemed to emerge in the investigation.

Pillayan’s arrest has reignited public interest in unresolved disappearances from Sri Lanka’s war and post-war era. As the CID continues its inquiries, both the political and legal establishments are watching closely.

What Comes Next?

The outcome of the investigation could have wide-reaching consequences—not just for Pillayan, but for how Sri Lanka addresses cases of historical injustice. At a time when the country is striving for international credibility in its human rights record, how it handles this case will be scrutinized both domestically and abroad.

For now, Pillayan remains in custody, with more details expected once the CID concludes its investigations. The visit by Gammanpila may have been a routine legal matter, but it has brought renewed attention to a case where justice has long remained elusive.