Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has responded to a letter directed to her by Ms. Ahimsa Wickrematunge, the daughter of the slain Sunday Leader Editor – Lasantha Wickrematunge.
Speaking in Parliament today (Feb. 07), Dr. Amarasuriya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for Lasantha Wickrematunge’s family.
“The letter that Ms. Ahimsa Wickremetunga has sent to me is also measured, given the circumstances and given what this family has had to endure for these past…I don’t know how many years…So, we’re very determined, because at the end of the day the purpose of having a judicial system, the Attorney General’s Office, all of these institutions is to deliver justice and if procedures come in the way of delivering justice, then we need to re-examine those procedures”, she stated.
The Prime Minister revealed that several actions have already been taken and that the government expects the Attorney General to take further steps. She noted that the government is exploring the possibility of initiating fresh indictments in the case.
While acknowledging the systemic challenges within legal institutions, she stressed that change is necessary and that victims should not be left waiting indefinitely.
The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has confirmed that Secretary to the President – Nandika Sanath Kumanayake handed over the report.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into a photo circulating on social media, allegedly showing the sacred tooth relic during the ongoing special exposition – ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ in Kandy.
According to Police Headquarters, the circulating image is seemingly an image taken by a devotee who attended the exposition, which is being held until April 27.
The police emphasises that devotees are not permitted to take photos or use their phones.
In this backdrop, the CID is investigating to ascertain whether the circulating photo was indeed taken during the ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’ exposition, and whether it was a photo captured by someone or whether it is merely an edited image.
The CID investigation has been launched on the instructions of the Acting Inspector General of Police.
A Brazilian national was arrested by the Narcotics Control Unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this (April 20) morning over attempting to smuggle nearly 05 kg of cocaine concealed in his suitcase.
The suspect is a 59-year-old Brazilian teacher and the seized cocaine (4kg and 855g) is valued around Rs. 240 million.