A long-running disappearance case returns to court spotlight as judicial frustration grows over delays linked to the Attorney General’s decision.
The long-running case involving the abduction and disappearance of 11 youths in Colombo and its suburbs has once again drawn sharp attention in court, following fresh controversy over the release of a key suspect.
The Criminal Investigation Department informed Fort Magistrate Isuru Netthikumarage on December 17 that former Chief of Defence Staff Rear Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, who was released on the instructions of the Attorney General, has since filed an appeal with the Attorney General regarding that very decision. Wijegunaratne has been named as the second suspect in the high-profile disappearance case, which involves allegations of kidnapping youths for ransom.
Since the release was authorised directly by the Attorney General, the Magistrate ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to formally notify the Attorney General through a written representation if the matter is to be reconsidered. This order followed submissions by the CID that it had already appealed to the Attorney General regarding the release.
Expressing clear dissatisfaction over repeated delays, the Magistrate stated, “This case has been referred for hearing. It is the Attorney General who has released him on his own responsibility. This case has been adjourned for the fourth day. No further date will be given for any reason. The trial is being adjourned on behalf of the State Counsel. Do not request that the trial be adjourned again. This incident has taken a long time. The trial will not be adjourned for any other reason.” The court further ordered the CID to appear with representation from the Attorney General after obtaining formal advice.
Attorney-at-law Achala Seneviratne, appearing for the aggrieved party, told court that representations had already been made to the Attorney General, the CID, and the Bribery Commission regarding the controversial release of the second suspect. He stressed that there was sufficient evidence linking the suspect to the alleged crimes.
Meanwhile, defence attorneys informed court that despite requesting certified copies of the original information related to the case from the CID, they had not yet received them. After considering the matter, the Magistrate ordered the CID to provide certified copies to the defence within one week.
The case against former Navy Lieutenant Commander Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi, a prime suspect accused of aiding and abetting by providing shelter, was also taken up in open court. Laksiri Amarasinghe, who was responsible for the Polwatta area where the suspect allegedly stayed, also appeared.
The CID has filed multiple charges against the accused, including harbouring a warrant holder in connection with the kidnapping and disappearance of 11 youths for ransom.
