Move to discredit Gotabaya over Eknaligoda case: Gammanpila

The ‘real’ killer of missing journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda might be a powerful minister of the present government, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) Secretary Udaya Gammanpila predicts.

He made the observation at a press conference held in Colombo this afternoon (21).

“There is a serious doubt whether the ‘real’ killer is a powerful minister of the present government,” he said.

He also went into say the alleged move by a senior cop to urge the arrested five intelligence officers to give statements in a bid to make the former Defence Secretary accountable for the case doubles the dubiousness.

Gammanpila added the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) attempts to drag the attention of the case to a different angel.

“The government fears the reputation of former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. This all drama is to insult and character assassination,” said Gammanpila.

Earlier, Convener of the Mawbima Wenuwen Ranawiruwo organization Major Ajith Prasanna also charged there is a move to arrest former President Mahinda Rajapaksha and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksha over the disappearance case of missing journalist.

The court had earlier included the names of Army Commander and Army Intelligence Chief as respondents in connection with the disappearance case as well.
 
 
That came after the approval was granted for the detention and questioning of five army personnel including an Army Corporal, a Sergeant, and two Lieutenants.
 
 
The suspects were arrested following interrogation at the Police HQ for over five hours with respect to the case. At present, a Habeas Corpus case also  continues at the Homagama Magistrate’s Court over the incident.