Ahimsa Wickrematunge, Lasantha’s daughter, expressed a renewed sense of hope for justice following Dissanayaka’s election, which marked a significant political shift as the first leftist president in Sri Lanka’s history.
The family of Lasantha Wickrematunge, the assassinated Sri Lankan journalist, made an emotional appeal on Tuesday to the newly elected president, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, urging him to reopen investigations into the high-profile murder that has haunted the nation for over a decade.
Wickrematunge, the founder and editor of The Sunday Leader, was killed on January 8, 2009, as he drove to work in Colombo. His assassination, widely condemned internationally, was attributed to members of a military intelligence unit connected to the powerful Rajapaksa family, who were in power at the time. The case has become emblematic of a broader culture of impunity regarding human rights violations in Sri Lanka, particularly against journalists.
Ahimsa Wickrematunge, Lasantha’s daughter, expressed a renewed sense of hope for justice following Dissanayaka’s election, which marked a significant political shift as the first leftist president in Sri Lanka’s history. “We believe that this leadership will bring a fresh perspective to finally address the atrocities that have taken place in Sri Lanka’s recent human rights history,” she stated.
Lasantha Wickrematunge was known for his fierce criticism of government corruption, including allegations against Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was then the defence secretary. The journalist accused Rajapaksa of taking kickbacks related to arms procurement, including questionable deals involving second-hand MiG fighter jets. The gravity of his allegations positioned him as a target for retribution.
Sri Lanka’s Troubled Past
In the aftermath of Wickrematunge’s murder, his family sought justice by filing a lawsuit in a California court against Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who later became president himself. However, that case was put on hold when he acquired immunity in November 2019. The Rajapaksa family’s longstanding influence in Sri Lankan politics and military operations has long raised concerns about their involvement in a series of violent acts against dissenters.
The outgoing administration, led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, did not take significant steps to reopen investigations into killings during the Rajapaksa era, including that of Wickrematunge and many other journalists. Dissanayaka’s election has prompted renewed discussions about the possibility of addressing past injustices and restoring accountability for human rights abuses.
Wickrematunge was not just a journalist; he was also a politician and a vocal advocate for human rights. His assassination has been seen as a chilling indicator of the risks faced by journalists in Sri Lanka, where many have been silenced through violence or intimidation. Just days before his death, Wickrematunge was reportedly preparing to testify in a corruption case involving Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Human rights organizations and the United Nations have repeatedly highlighted Wickrematunge’s case as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s troubled past, where political dissent often led to violent retribution. The ongoing impunity surrounding his murder reflects a troubling trend in which state-sponsored violence against journalists and political activists continues to undermine the country’s democratic fabric.
A Reminder of Unhealed Wounds
In her statement, Ahimsa Wickrematunge called on the new president to demonstrate a commitment to justice. “We are looking for a genuine effort to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for Lasantha’s murder and the murders of countless others who stood for truth and transparency,” she said. The family hopes that under Dissanayaka’s leadership, there might be an opportunity for a new direction in governance that respects human rights and upholds the rule of law.
The Wickrematunge family’s plea comes at a time when Sri Lanka is still grappling with the aftermath of economic turmoil and political unrest, which culminated in mass protests that led to the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in July 2022. The political landscape is shifting, and many Sri Lankans are eager for change and accountability.
As the new administration settles into power, the Wickrematunge family’s appeal serves as a reminder of the unhealed wounds left by decades of civil strife and political violence. Activists and supporters of press freedom are already closely watching how Dissanayaka will address past grievances, especially concerning those who have been silenced by threats and violence.
In a country where the assassination of journalists has often gone unpunished, the call for justice from Lasantha Wickrematunge’s family resonates beyond their personal loss. It speaks to the broader need for a transparent and just legal system that prioritizes human rights and accountability. As Sri Lanka embarks on a new political chapter, the hope for justice remains a crucial aspect of the nation’s healing process.
Whether Dissanayaka’s government will rise to the occasion and confront the dark legacy of the past remains to be seen, but the Wickrematunge family’s appeal highlights the enduring quest for truth and justice in Sri Lanka.
Image: Wikimedia
