Army appoints Court of Inquiry to investigate Lasantha and Ekneligoda cases

Two Court of Inquiries were established to investigate the misplaced documents in the cases pertaining to the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda and murder of Lasantha Wickramatunga, the Army said in a statement today.

The Army has also dismissed allegations that it did not support in investigations into the murder of senior journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge.

The statement also added that regardless of status, the army is committed to uphold the law of the country and it will not hesitate to capture the wrongdoers.

Full Statement:

“While categorically denying certain media reports alleging that the Army was not cooperating with the CID detectives, investigating into Lasantha Wickramathunga’s murder, the Army wishes to place on record the following facts in their correct perspective.

Reassuring the Army’s assistance to the CID investigations, the Commander of the Army detailed the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Sri Lanka Military Police to trace various documents that had been requested by the CID, but certain requested documents, could not be retrieved by the SIU. 

However, at this stage, by virtue of the powers vested in the Commander of the Army under the Army Discipline Regulations, the Commander of the Army appointed a Court of Inquiry (COI), to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing documents, and if they are indeed missing, the period they had gone missing and the persons responsible.

In the same vein, the Commander of the Army appointed another separate Court of Inquiry to trace the missing documents, related to Prageeth Eknaligoda case. The findings of the Courts of Inquiry will be intimated to the honorable Courts and the CID at the conclusions of the said inquires.

The Army reiterate its utmost commitment to the Rule of Law and if any member of the Army is found to be involved in the two cases aforesaid, directly or indirectly including obstructing justice by suppressing of evidence, such persons will be brought before a court martial irrespective of their ranks or stature.”