Was Kajja's Murder an Evidence Cover-Up?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Aruna Vidhanagamage, also known as Meegas-are' Kajja, and his two children in Middeniya.

According to Sri Lanka Police, this murder was orchestrated from abroad.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Buddhika Manatunga, the Police Spokesperson, stated that the arrested individuals include military officers, former military personnel, and police officers. The police expect to apprehend and identify the masterminds behind this crime shortly.

Before his murder, Aruna Vidhanagamage had publicly claimed to possess information regarding the murders of Tajudeen and a former provincial council member.

He had filed a complaint seeking protection for the victims but had not received any. Vidhanagamage had expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of revealing this information, stating that if anything happened to him, the evidence would be released to the media.

The politician referred to by Vidhanagamage as "Chandi" is former Provincial Council Member M.K. Ranjith. Known as "Chandi Malli," he was murdered on May 25, 2003, while on his way to the Criminal Investigation Department.

This murder occurred within a high-security zone in Colombo.

Following the murder of Meegas-are' Kajja, Amila Megasdeniya, the son of M.K. Ranjith, posted a note on his social media account, highlighting the political implications and the long-standing nature of the case. He expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation, noting that the case file remains with the Attorney General.

Translated Excerpt:

"That day, my father was killed in a high-security zone. It was a political game. Ranil, Sajith, John, Mahinda Wijesekara, the Rajapaksas, Neville, Tissa, everyone knew my father would be shot. If everyone knew, there is no way Chandrika didn't know. It's been 22 years since my father passed away. Unfortunately, the case file is still with the Attorney General. Some people even overthrew governments using that murder. But the file is still with the Attorney General."

End of Translated Excerpt.

On Monday (24), Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, expressed suspicions about attempts to conceal evidence in certain murders.

He suggested that politicians might be behind these notorious criminals and that there is a process of eliminating evidence out of fear of implicating them. The intelligence units are investigating whether this concealment of evidence is leading to these murders.

On Tuesday (25), the Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister (Dr) Nalinda Jayatissa, clarified that the ongoing incidents are conflicts between organized crime gangs.

He emphasized that there is no issue with national security, despite claims from the opposition. Investigations into these murders are ongoing, and several police officers have already been arrested. The questioning process has reached the courts, and the investigations are uncovering connections between the criminals and politicians.

Aruna Vidanagamage, also known as Meegas-Are' Kajja, a controversial figure in the south of Sri Lanka was targeted by armed gunmen on Tuesday (18) night.

He was shot dead along with his six-year-old daughter, and nine-year-old son.

While Aruna Vidanagamage died on the spot, according to reports, his two children died while being treated in hospital.

Aruna Vidanagamage, also known as Meegas-Are' Kajja, was a notorious figure in the Hambantota District, especially in areas such as Medamulana, Tangalle, and Middeniya.

He faced multiple accusations related to crimes such as illegal possession of firearms and extortion and had been remanded several times. Vidanagamage was closely associated with several prominent politicians in the district.

He gained significant attention last year after making controversial statements on a YouTube channel, where he hinted at threats to his life. In one of his statements, he said, "If something happens to my life, all this evidence will come to the media. If you can, kill me. I am not afraid; these people have already wished me Nirvana."

Just a day before his death, Vidanagamage posted a message on his Facebook account, urging people to focus on living happily without worrying about distant death: "Think about the life you have now and live happily without worrying about distant death. There is nothing impossible."

The incident occurred while Vidanagamage and his three children were traveling on a motorcycle.

At around 10 PM, they left his in-laws' residence in Medamuwala, intending to reach their temporary shelter in Thorakolayaya.

En route, he dropped off his eldest son in Gal-Potta-Yaya to purchase dinner for the family.

Vidanagamage and his children were ambushed approximately one kilometer after passing the night hotel where his elder son was sent to fetch food. The attack took place at Kadewatte Junction in Middeniya.

Police have confirmed that a T-56 firearm was used in the shooting.