Lasantha did not die in vain

Wednesday, 9 January 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Lasantha’s niece Raisa reading out a message from his brother Lal at the graveside memorial yesterday – Pic by Ruwan Walpola

Following is the message by Lasantha’s brother Lal Wickrematunge which was read out by Lal’s daughter Raisa at the graveside memorial to mark the 10th anniversary of his assassination yesterday

A decade is a long time to grieve, too long to solve a murder. Too long to come to terms that no one cares but for their benefit which does not include the aggrieved. Sad though, this seems to be the reality.

Lasantha certainly did not die in vain. The foundation he set has brought about change in the political spectrum of Sri Lanka. This is visible today in the form of an independent Judiciary and other commissions. Will power within those tasked with bringing such perpetrators, who violated all norms of humanity, before the law is the only step towards converting an otherwise barbaric nation to civility.

Lasantha was not the only journalist to lay down his life for penning what he believed in. Many journalists from the north were put down along with him during the darkest period in our nation’s history. We grieve for them today. Lasantha would insist on it.

Investigations that were commenced since the Criminal Investigations Department took over have been exhaustive. It has been reported to Court that the Army Intelligence was behind the dastardly act. Others suspected of being the masterminds have been named in Court. Four persons have been killed in the cover-up. Four innocents. High-ranking Police officers are suspected of tampering with evidence. This was the state of our nation.

Reconciliation and closure will not be possible without prosecution. There is no purpose in asking who Lasantha is. The world knows who Lasantha was. His writing has proven that and will last the test of time. Let his memory live forever.