Ahimsa Demands Justice for Father's Assassination

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ahimsa Wickrematunge, the daughter of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge has called for the impeachment of Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, citing gross abuse of power and neglect of duty in the criminal proceedings related to the assassination of her father. 

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Ahimsa Wickrematunge expressed grave concern over the Attorney General's recent decision to discharge three suspects in the case.

Wickrematunge highlighted the meticulous investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) from 2015 to 2019, which amassed substantial evidence. 

She accused Ranasinghe of fostering a culture of nonchalance and disregard for duty within the Attorney General’s Department, leading to the dismissal of critical evidence and witnesses.

Lasantha Wickrematunge was ambushed and assassinated on January 8, 2009, in a high-security zone near the Ratmalana Air Force Base. Despite the attack occurring in broad daylight, the assailants were never identified, and the case remained unresolved until the CID took over the investigation in 2015.

The CID's investigation revealed significant evidence, including the discovery of Wickrematunge's field notebook, which contained crucial leads. However, the initial inquiry officer, Inspector Tissa Sugathapala, was allegedly ordered by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Prasanna Nanayakkara to destroy the evidence.

Ahimsa Wickrematunge argued that if Ranasinghe was unaware of the facts, he was guilty of gross neglect of duty, and if he was aware, he was guilty of gross abuse of his office.

Ahimsa Wickrematunge says that Attorney General, Parinda Ranasinghe is no longer fit to serve as Attorney General. 

She urged the government to impeach Ranasinghe to restore integrity to the justice system, emphasizing that the Attorney General is responsible to Parliament and must be held accountable for his actions.