Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today reaffirmed her government’s commitment to securing justice for the family of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga.
Her statement came in response to a letter from Ahimsa Wickrematunga, the late journalist’s daughter, urging the Prime Minister to impeach Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe for allegedly mishandling the case.
Ahimsa Wickrematunga accused the Attorney General of abusing power and neglecting his duty by recommending the discharge of three suspects in her father’s murder investigation. Addressing Parliament, Prime Minister Amarasuriya stated, “I plan to respond to the letter personally. Our government’s position on this case is very clear. We intend to seek justice for the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunga.”
The Premier acknowledged Ahimsa’s concerns and expressed her understanding of the pain the family is enduring. “I understand the agony Ahimsa must be feeling, but I assure her that we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is delivered.”
While emphasizing the government’s respect for the independence of the Attorney General’s office, Amarasuriya revealed that the government is considering filing new indictments in the case. She noted that extensive discussions, including a meeting with the President, had taken place to determine the next steps.
MP Rauff Hakeem, responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks, called for a parliamentary debate on the Attorney General’s Department, criticizing its handling of the case. Hakeem argued that the Attorney General’s response to the case was weak, pointing to issues with the identification parade of the suspects. He also criticized the government for not fulfilling its manifesto pledge to establish an independent prosecutor’s office.
In response, Prime Minister Amarasuriya confirmed that the government would allocate a full day for a parliamentary debate on the matter, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing concerns over the Attorney General’s handling of the case.
The unsolved murder of Lasantha Wickrematunga, a prominent journalist, continues to be a sensitive and pressing issue in Sri Lanka, with calls for justice intensifying.
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