Suspect in Ekneligoda Case Remanded Over 19 Witness Threats

COLOMBO (News 1st); Retired Brigadier Shamme Kumara Rathna, who is currently in remand custody over allegations of threatening witnesses in the case related to the abduction and murder of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, was presented before the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar today.

He is the main suspect in the case concerning Ekneligoda’s disappearance and alleged murder.

The Attorney General has filed this case against nine individuals, including retired Brigadier Shammi Kumararathna, who was the commanding officer at the Girithale Army Camp at the time, along with several military intelligence officers.

The case is being heard before the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar comprising Justices Dr. Namal Balalle, Mahesh Weeraman, and Sujeewa Nissanka.

Senior State Counsel Udara Karunathilake informed the court that the first accused, Brigadier Shammi Kumararathna, is currently in remand custody.

He explained that the suspect was arrested and remanded following an investigation by the Police Division for the Protection of Victims and Witnesses.

It was revealed that the first accused had allegedly threatened the fourth witness, Sumathipala Suresh Kumar alias Murali, on 19 separate occasions.

The Senior State Counsel emphasized that since civilian witnesses are expected to testify in the future, releasing the accused on bail could lead to further intimidation.

Therefore, he requested the court to cancel the bail previously granted to Brigadier Shammi Kumararathna and to remand him in custody.

When the court inquired whether the investigation was complete, Karunathilake stated that while most of the investigation is complete, some inquiries are still ongoing.

The judges noted that a decision on the bail request cannot be made until the investigation is fully concluded.

Since the accused is already in remand custody over the witness intimidation charges, the court ordered that if bail is granted in connection with this case, he must first be produced before the court prior to release.

Today, under the direction of Senior State Counsel Karunathilake, testimony was given by Krishnapillai Kalaignanesan, a former LTTE intelligence member who had been detained at the Girithale Army Camp.

The case is scheduled to be called again on Monday at 1:30 PM.