Prageeth Ekneligoda disappearance case resumes before a new three-judge High Court bench after delays over judicial appointments.
The Prageeth Ekneligoda disappearance case has resumed after a long delay, with proceedings taken up today (04) before a permanent three-judge High Court bench.
The case has been filed against nine members of the military intelligence unit, including former Commanding Officer of the Girithale Army Camp, Shammi Kumararatne, over the abduction and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.
The trial had been delayed for a long period due to the non-appointment of judges. It has now restarted before a newly appointed panel consisting of Nayana Seneviratne, Nalin Hewawasam, and Lakmali Hewawasam.
The new bench was appointed by the Chief Justice.
Previously, the case was heard at the permanent High Court building within the Hulftsdorp Court Complex in Colombo, the building containing High Court No. 8.
Since yesterday, however, the trial has begun at a new permanent High Court established at No. 121/1, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07. The premises had previously been used by Keheliya Rambukwella.
The case was last heard before a bench comprising Namal Balalle as Chairman, Mahen Weeraman, and Sujeewa Nishanka.
Since then, Judge Namal Balalle has been suspended from service, while Judge Mahen Weeraman has retired. The remaining judge, Sujeewa Nishanka, is now a member of the bench hearing the Easter Sunday attack case and attends that trial daily.
All accused, who are currently out on bail, appeared before court on that day.
They are former Commanding Officer of the Girithale Army Intelligence Camp, Lieutenant Colonel Shammi Arjuna Kumararatne; Staff Sergeant Wadugedera Winipriyantha Dilangan Upasena alias Suresh; Staff Sergeant R.M.P.K. Rajapaksa alias Nandan; Staff Sergeant Senavirathna Mudiyanselage Raveendra Rupasena alias Ranji; Chaminda Kumara Abeyratne; S.M. Kanishka Kumara Abeyratne; Aiyasamy Balasubramaniam; K.G. Tharanga Prasad Gamage; and Eranda Perera.
Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera appeared for the Attorney General, representing the prosecution.
A team of lawyers including President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, Senior Counsel Rasika Balasooriya, and Asitha Siriwardena appeared for the accused.
President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma appeared for the aggrieved party.
The court issued notices directing the 79th and 84th witnesses in the case to appear before court on the 8th to give evidence.
The matter was then adjourned until that date. The court has also scheduled the case to be heard every Friday.
The Attorney General has filed charges against the accused under the Penal Code in connection with the abduction and death of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.
The charges relate to allegations that Ekneligoda was abducted and killed with the intention of secretly imprisoning him, together with other unidentified persons, in the Girithale, Habarana, and Kottawa areas on or around January 25, 2010.
However, questions remain over how the long-delayed case will proceed under the new bench and whether the resumed trial will finally bring clarity to one of Sri Lanka’s most closely watched disappearance cases.
