Lasantha remembered, 12 years on

COLOMBO (News1st): Lasantha Wickremetunga, the fearless journalist. A dozen years ago on a day like today, Lasantha Wickremetunga was brutally assassinated in broad daylight. Lasantha who was the Editor of the Sunday Leader newspaper at the time threw caution to the wind in exposing those who engaged in corruption, even those in the upper echelons of the nation. Lasantha had a penchant for revealing the truth and exposing even the most clandestine misdealings paving new ways in the field of investigative journalism. Lasantha's mightiest weapon was his pen. True to the saying the weapon is mightier than the sword, Lasantha used his natural talent, his words to rid the nation of corruption. Lasantha was undeterred in his work, knowing fully well the substantial risk his line of work brought with it. He breathed his last on a fateful day like today when he was assassinated in a cowardly attack along the Attidiya road, by those who feared his courageous attitude and verve. Lasantha who was acclaimed for his services to the field of journalism and to the nation was posthumously awarded the IPI World Press Freedom Hero Award. Since the 8th of January 2009, the government have ascended to power and conceded control to new ones. All the while, the cowardly minions responsible for the death of a courageous soul continue to roam free. Although Lasantha's remains were exhumed on the 27th of September 2016 and a number of arrests were made, no substantial or effective breakthrough has been made to date. A mere 48 hour prior to the demise of Lasantha Wickremetunga on the 6th of January 2009, a gang of thugs attacked and destroyed the then state of the art MTV MBC broadcasting complex in Depanama. Lasantha raised his defiant voice even then, calling out for justice to be meted out against those responsible. Lasantha Wickremetunga was a close friend of the MTV MBC family, sharing both the highs of triumph and the lows of despair equally. He was one of the very first people to arrive at the scene when the MTV MBC broadcasting complex was vandalized. Attackers had fled the scene, setting up Claymores at the Main Control room of the broadcasting complex in am attempt to instil fear within us. However, our unfaltering determination bore fruit when we were able to commence broadcasting once again on all three channels within a short span of 4 hours. Bombings, assassinations and acts of arson cannot silence those who stand for justice, honesty and integrity. Dishonest men fear the inescapable truth. The truth always wins. The trust placed in us by you, the people will continue to propel us towards creating a just and law-abiding society. Our dedication towards this ultimate goal will forever remain unwavering. The Truth can never be hidden. Never. And Justice will always find its way to those who commit crimes. Always.