Former Army Brigadier Remanded in Prageeth Eknaligoda Disappearance Case

Retired Brigadier Shammi Arjuna Kumararatne, a key accused in the high-profile case, faces charges of pressuring a witness to withhold testimony.

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka – The disappearance of Sri Lankan journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, which has haunted the nation for over a decade, took another dramatic turn yesterday when former Brigadier Shammi Arjuna Kumararatne was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The retired officer is now under remand, facing accusations of intimidating key witnesses in the case, including Sumathipal Suresh Kumar (also known as Thavendran), a critical figure in the investigation.

Kumararatne, who once held a prominent role in the Sri Lankan Army, was taken into custody after allegations surfaced that he had repeatedly pressured Thavendran not to testify in court. Thavendran, who is reportedly a former associate of the army's intelligence wing, is said to possess valuable information regarding the journalist's disappearance. The threats allegedly aimed to silence him and obstruct the pursuit of justice.

Yesterday, the Trincomalee Magistrate's Court ruled that Kumararatne would be held in custody until June 25, pending further investigations into his involvement in the abduction and subsequent disappearance of Eknaligoda in 2010. Eknaligoda, a journalist for Lanka E-News, was last seen on the eve of the 2010 presidential elections and has since been presumed dead. His case remains one of the most controversial and unresolved in Sri Lanka’s recent history, with accusations of state involvement and military cover-ups.

Pressure on Thavendran

The court proceedings took an even more unsettling turn when it was revealed that Thavendran had been subjected to continuous pressure, not only by Kumararatne but also by other figures within the military. According to testimony presented in court, an army intelligence officer had allegedly warned Thavendran just a week ago, stating: “Anura’s government won’t last long, after that, a government led by Namal Rajapaksa will come into power.”

This ominous remark, made by an army official, hints at the possible influence of political shifts on the pressure being applied to key witnesses. Such statements have raised concerns about the extent to which state actors might have attempted to interfere with the judicial process.

Kumararatne’s alleged attempts to coerce Thavendran into withholding information underscores the lengths to which some individuals may go to shield themselves from responsibility in the case. However, the court's decision to remand Kumararatne signals that the legal system is beginning to hold those involved accountable, despite the persistent efforts to obstruct justice.

Eknaligoda's Disappearance: A National Tragedy

The case of Prageeth Eknaligoda is a tragic one, not just for his family, but for Sri Lankan journalism and human rights activists. Eknaligoda was known for his investigative reporting, which often challenged the status quo, and his disappearance remains a poignant symbol of the dangers faced by journalists in the country.

Despite numerous appeals, the disappearance remained unsolved for many years, with accusations that state actors, including the military, may have been involved. The case became a rallying cry for freedom of the press and the need for greater accountability within the government.

In the years following his disappearance, there have been various attempts to bring justice to Eknaligoda’s case, but progress has been slow. The arrest of Kumararatne marks a significant development in the investigation, as it suggests that the authorities are now willing to take stronger action against those believed to be involved in the journalist's disappearance.

Ongoing Implications

The continued involvement of former military officials in the case raises serious questions about the role of the armed forces in Sri Lankan politics and their influence over the country’s judicial processes. The growing body of evidence linking high-ranking military officers to the disappearance of Eknaligoda highlights the need for comprehensive reforms within the military and law enforcement agencies.

For the family of Prageeth Eknaligoda, every step in the investigation is a reminder of the long wait for justice. While his wife, Sandya Eknaligoda, has repeatedly called for accountability, her determination has been met with years of obstacles. Nevertheless, her resolve remains unshaken.

As the legal proceedings continue, there is hope that the arrest of Kumararatne will provide new opportunities for uncovering the truth behind Eknaligoda’s disappearance. For now, the world watches as Sri Lanka grapples with the difficult question of how to hold powerful individuals accountable, even when they are entrenched in the machinery of the state.