Years after some of Sri Lanka’s most controversial crimes, investigators now admit crucial evidence was destroyed, forcing renewed probes that could finally expose long hidden truths.
There has been measurable progress in investigations into a special category of crimes that have long caused controversy in Sri Lanka, but the situation remains deeply complex, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has said. Speaking on the matter, the Minister confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department has launched extensive inquiries to identify individuals responsible for destroying or concealing critical evidence linked to these cases.
He noted that many of the incidents under review involve layered criminal networks and institutional failures, making the investigations difficult and time consuming. Special focus has been placed on tracing those who deliberately interfered with evidence, as such actions have significantly delayed justice in several high profile cases.
The Minister emphasized that investigations are continuing without obstruction, but cautioned that the public should expect delays due to the complexity of the cases and the scale of forensic and legal review required. He added that the Inspector General of Police is closely monitoring progress and that certain details cannot be disclosed at this stage, as doing so could compromise ongoing inquiries.
For decades, justice has remained elusive in numerous serious crimes, including politically sensitive murders and enforced disappearances. In response, the Minister has instructed the IGP to accelerate investigations into several major incidents that have shaped public distrust in the justice system.
These include renewed efforts to advance investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks and the 2015 Central Bank bond auction scandal, both of which continue to raise unresolved questions at national and international levels. The long delayed investigation into the 2022 murder of businessman Dinesh Shafter is also to be expedited, as perpetrators have yet to be brought before court.
Authorities have further ordered a fresh investigation into the 2006 disappearance of the Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University, along with the reopening of the probe into the 2005 killing of journalist Dharmaratnam Sivaram, also known as Taraki. Investigations into the 2011 disappearance of Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan in Jaffna are also being prioritized.
The Minister has directed the IGP to pay particular attention to concerns that some CID investigations have progressed inadequately, stressing that accountability, evidence preservation, and public trust must now take precedence.
