AG instructs Acting IGP to appoint senior officials to probe high-profile cases

The Attorney General (AG) yesterday instructed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to appoint appropriate senior officials to take forward investigations of five high profile cases which have been under investigation for several years. 

The instructions came after the Acting IGP sent updated reports on investigations into the assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge, the killing of 17 aid workers in 2006, the murder of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen, the abduction of Keith Noyahr, and the disappearance of 11 youth in Trincomalee. In addition, the IGP also sent the report on the investigations into the abduction of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda to the AG.

In response, AG Dappula de Livera, issuing a letter yesterday, instructed Acting IGP Chandana Wickramaratne to expedite inquiries and submit complete investigation reports of these cases.

In the letter, he pointed out that the CID’s reports had failed to identify proper witnesses and suspects, as well as failing to lay out future plans and ending dates of the investigations.

AG De Livera added that the CID had also not clearly mentioned the grounds on which they would require his advice to proceed with the investigations over these cases.

In his letter, AG De Livera made certain observations of the CID’s reports. They are as follows.

Killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge – Investigations began on 27 February 2015. The CID has admitted that they had not submitted complete investigation extracts into the cases. 

Killing of 17 aid workers in Mutur – Investigations began on 11 August 2006. No suspects have been identified so far. 

Killing of ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen – Investigations began on 28 February 2015. 

Abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr – Investigations began on 6 April 2016. Inquiries expected to end within two months.

Abduction of 11 youths – Investigations began on 12 March 2015.

Accordingly, the AG expressed concern that no progress had been made on these cases despite investigations being carried out for a number of years.