Keheliya Rambukwella and the assassins of Lasantha Wickrematunge
The wife of slain Editor-in-Chief of The Sunday Leader, Sonali Samarasinghe Wickrematunge in a letter to Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jayantha Wickremaratna last week, has asked that he record a statement from Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella to ascertain the identity of her husband Lasantha Wickrematunge's assassins.
Ms. Wickrematunge in a letter dated March 15, has requested the IGP to record a statement from Rambukwella for a breakthrough into the murder of her husband as the Minister at a press briefing held on January 28 had stated that he and President Rajapakse "were aware of the identity of the murderers and that the President would make the facts known on February 15."
[Lighting candles for Lasantha-pic:IPS Correspondents]
Ms. Wickrematunge states, "However, despite over six weeks having passed since Mr. Rambukwella's statement, no announcement has been made; neither have any suspects been named or apprehended."
She has further stated that although it has been over two months since her husband was killed there has been no credible breakthrough up to date; no announcement has been made; no murder weapon, neither have suspects been named or apprehended and no post mortem report has still been made public.
The police on Friday (20) told The Sunday Leader that there is no necessity to record a statement or to question Minister Keheliya Rambukwella over a statement made by him in connection with the assassination of the Editor-in-Chief of The Sunday Leader Lasantha Wickrematunge.
Police Spokesperson SSP Ranjith Gunasekera when asked as to what action the police would take based on Ms. Wickrematunge's request to the IGP, told The Sunday Leader that the police do not have a right to question a minister over a public statement made by him.
"This is just a statement made by a minister at a press briefing. Although Wickrematunge's wife has made a request to the IGP to record a statement from Minister Rambukwella there is no necessity to do so as it was a simple statement made by him. It was the responsibility of the journalists to question the Minister over that issue but not the duty of the police to do so," he said.
M.I.M. Ameen PC appearing for the late Editor's wife Sonali Wickrematunge has made an application to the Mt. Lavinia Magistrate's Court to hand over the investigations either to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) or to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
"It was disheartening to note as to how a police constable from the Mirihana Police informed the court that they are capable of conducting special investigations and to retain them to carry out the investigation into Wickrematunge's assassination," Attorney-at-law Mizbath Sathar told "The Sunday Leader" newspaper.
The Mirihana Police have been ordered by courts to produce a progress report into the investigation at the next hearing date.
The case last called on Thursday, March 19, was further postponed to April 2.
[Click Here for-MS Word Doc-The letter sent by Ms. Sonali Samarasinghe Wickrematunge]
10 Comments
This is dis-heartening here we have a minister who goes thumping at every news conference stating that President of the country is aware of the identity of Mr Wickrmatunge's killing.
If the President knows the identity why can't he come out in public and reveal the identity. The Government spokesman sure has the idea of the assassins so what's the big-deal of keeping them secret?. If the President comes out in public and reveal the sames the President is not going to be taken into custody by the Sri Lankan hell-bent police force. Even if the President is taken into custody he can pardon himself because he is the commander-in-chief.
He can pardon Milroy Fernando's wife so what's the big deal here. Here we have a situation of a grieving widow, three children without a father, and 1000's of admirers who lost someone who was educated, intelligent and had the gutts to reveal corruption. well all happens only in Sri Lanka.
If I being a normal sitizen were to utter a statemanet saying "I know the murderes" , next day I will be in 4th floor.
What is meant by a "simple Statement" ?
It is obvious that the police are not in a hurry to identify the assassins.
The reason is obvious to all.
Everybody knows who killed Richard de Zoyza, Wijaya Kumaranatunge, Lalith Athulathmudali etc. etc. Why should not general public know who killed Lasnatha Wickramatunge as well?
The problem is does the Police Department know all these murderers. No, because they are still investigating as to what and how these things happen in a truly Buddhist country like Srilanka.
It is not the responsibility of the Police to interrogate VVIPs as they are very much immune to anything thanks to the absence of a Police Commissioner.
That is why it has become the responsibility of the reporters to interrogate them and to risk their lives with all kith and kins.
You know what punishment the King Sriwickrama Rajasinghe gave to the Ahalepola's family?
We always follow our ancesters as proud Srilankans.
Not only Rambukwella, but even Rajapakse himself has made such statements
On January 27th editors of the Sinhala, Tamil and English newspapers were called for a meeting by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to discuss the most recent attack on an editor. The meeting that commenced at 4.30 in the afternoon at Temple Trees, was attended by Ministers Rajitha Senaratne and Keheliya Rambukwela, while IGP Jayantha Wickremeratne, DIG/ CID, Director/ CID and Wijayananda Herat of the Presidential Media Unit were also present.
President Rajapaksa claimed that several breakthroughs have been made in the investigations into the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunga, the assault on Upali Tennakoon, and the attack on the MTV studios. He said he had held special discussions in this regard and would reveal details very soon.
However the police are now silent and have hushed up these cases. They say they cannot question these individuals who have publicly admitted that they are aware as to who the perpetrators of the crime are.
As per APPENDIX TO THE POLICE REGULATIONS OF AUGUST 20, 1920 (NO. 1484), MADE BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE UNDER SECTION 4 OF THE POLICE ACT, 1919.
Discipline Code.
Any member of a Police Force commits an offence against discipline if he is guilty of—
(4) Neglect of Duty, that is to say, if he:
(a) neglects, or without good and sufficient cause omits, promptly and diligently to attend to or carry out anything which is his duty
(e) fails when know where any offender is to be found, to report same, or to due exertions for making him amenable to justice, or
(f) fails to report any matter which it is his duty to report, or
(g) fails to report anything which he knows concerning a criminal charge, or fails to disclose any evidence which he, or any person within his knowledge, can give for or against any prisoner or dependent to a criminal charge,
Clearly the Sri Lanka Police is guilty of misleading the judiciary, indiscipline and nepotism of the highest level and is acting in collusion with agents of Crimes committed by the state against journalist.
You cant just make statements regarding a killing of a special person like Lasantha. If you make statements you should make it responsibly or you should keep your mouth shut. Being a minister of the present govt., Mr. Rambukvella should be more responsible. Only God will give a reply to this type of people.
As long as there is no independent police service in Sri Lanka, politicians will continue to behave like this and get away with it. Anyway most people know who was responsible for this murder and are aware that these criminals will not be punished, due to political patronage. Oh dear, Buddha must be turning in his grave when he hears of the crimes of his so called followers who without shame, call themselves buddhists.
The country is becoming a mini "Zimbabwe" where the politicians are like wild animals killing anyone that crosses their path. While the common man might be hoodwinked by these politicians, we can only hope that people with more common sense sees the plight of the country.
We lost a great man in Lasantha. It is only faith and hope that we pray for the family of Lasantha. Those who had a hand in this barbaric act will see the repercussions reflected through their children.
Rambukwella and Ratnasiri Wickramanayake are there simply to "Bark" to keep the people entertained on TV. They have no "bite" Both have been caught with their
pants (or sarongs) down on several occasions earlier. The funny thing is both know they are not taken seriously either by the Govt, the Cabinet, the MPs, the local diplomatic community or the people. Add to this list that kleptomaniac Rohitha B. What sort of Govt do you think this is for the world to take seriously and respect when Basil is sent alone to New Delhi to discuss the future life-and-death of the country while there is a Foreign Secy. Basil was either Minister nor elected MP. Gothabaya was one of hundreds of a Brigadier or a Lt. Colonel now embarrassing senior army, police, airforce and navy seniors when they have to address this nimcompoop as "Sir" In the eyes of the world we are now worse than Uganda under Idi (iot) Amin - the Last Emperor of Scotland" By the way, arro is up by Rs50/bottle and fags by Rs2 from Tuesday. The end is nigh. Those arrack addicts might soon take to the streets and create history
by toppling the govt with "the topers uprising"
ISS
Lasannnntha we fuming love u so much All your fans miss you
you are my idol and I wish I met you. :(
we will never forget all the great things you've done
you are such a true humanatarian
I hope to oneday come close to your kids
the parts of you who are still here.