“I am willing to cooperate with the CID if they need my assistance regarding the death of Wasim Thajudeen, as I visited the scene of the accident in the early hours of the morning with my son and daughter who is a lawyer” the retired former DIG of the Northern Province and Special Task Force (STF) Head Nimal Lewke told Colombo Telegraph today.
*The retired former DIG and STF Head Lewke
The retired former DIG and STF Head Lewke writing to The Island newspaper raised serious suspicions on the death of Thajudeen when he wrote “one wonders why it took three years for the inquiry to be conducted. There are reports, government analyst and other specialized unit’s initial report such as post-mortem which are contradicting. These experts’ reports and contradictions are a huge question mark. Why this case was not handed over to a responsible unit like the CID at the initial stages raises many questions. Who is responsible for that delay/suppression also have to be investigated. His Excellency needs to look into these blatant offences committed by state officers.Those guilty should not be allowed to get away as they live out of tax payers’ money”
“Being a police officer and since there is an inquiry, I do not want to comment about what I saw and my first impression. But I am making a strong appeal to the authorities and to HE the President to whom I have the highest respect and regard, to have a proper inquiry. In the name of justice, I hope the truth will come out even at this late stage. Wasim was a charming, innocent, young boy. I was like a father figure to him to the last day. Wherever he sees me, he comes running towards me. He always had that fatherly respect to me. From what I read in the papers, it seems that finally there is a possibility of justice being meted out to him after three years. A proper investigation unit (CID) is being handling the investigation.” he said.
When questioned as to why he himself waited three years to raise his suspicions and concerns now, the former DIG and STF Head said “I was retired at the time and I felt I had no authority to speak. But this is an opportune moment to voice my concerns, as I always maintained a Father/Son and a Coach/Player relationship with Thajudeen. I believe the CID is now on the correct path and the truth will prevail soon”.
Meanwhile the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s information center said that there is no evidence to claim that Thajudeen was tortured prior to his death as mentioned in the first released police report to the courts on the 21st of May 2012.
Following a court order the body of the slain Sri Lankan Rugby player Wasim Thajudeen was exhumed from his burial site at the Jummah Mosque Cemetery in Dehiwala this morning.
Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Ajith Tennakoon after the exhumation said that the body was identified by the family members of Thajudeen.
Earlier the Police had taken steps to provide 24-hour security to Thajudeens grave site fearing his remains may be removed before an exhumation.
According to Dr. Tennakoon if required DNA tests will be done to verify the identity of the body exhumed todday.
He also said that an exact time frame cannot me mentioned with regards to forensic investigation and added that the body was in a very good condition as it had been wrapped with a polythene bag before burial.
Meanwhile the United National Party (UNP) today tried to seek political mileage out of the incident on the eve of a crucial general election.
A large group of people posing as representatives of civil society and human rights organizations launched a protest near the cemetery when the exhumation was taking place.
The protesters were accusing the former President Rajapaksa’s family of being involved in the murder.
However some posing as human rights activists were seeing wearing wrist bands and holding placards which mentioned the names of some UNP candidates contesting the elections.
These messages read as “UNP Dinawamu (Let’s bring victory to UNP) and also the preferential numbers of several UNP candidates.
The Criminal Instigations Department (CID) launched a fresh investigation into the player’s death in 2012 after finding new evidence that Thajudeen was abducted and tortured prior to his “staged” accident.
The CID earlier requested the court to allow the exhumation.
Thajudeen died on May 17, 2012 when his car crashed into a wall near Shalika grounds in Narahenpita and caught fire. Earlier it was ruled as an accidental death but the recent investigations by the CID had found that the player was brutally tortured before his death.
We publish below the Lewke’s article in full;
Former coach on Wasim Thajudeen heroics: Ex-Coach appeals to President for fair inquiry on death of Wasim Thajudeen
By Nimal Lewke –
I was a successful rugby coach at all levels – schools, clubs and national. After successfully coaching Kandy Sports Club from 1995-1997, where they were triple champions for the first time in the history, I got the opportunity to coach S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia in 1998.
It was a bit of a challenge as the Thomians were not doing well at that time and I was looking after the under-17 squad, grooming for the future. The Principal was that great educationalist Mr. Neville de Alwis, Deputy was Mr. Pakyanadan. There were gentlemen like Baila Samarasinghe, A.F. Fernando etc. helping the juniors.
I specifically remember picking Ashan Karthelis and Wasim Thajudeen. Both of them were six footers from the under-17 squad. Wasim was bit of a mischievous fellow. However, he was very talented and a fine kicker. I used to take him separately and teach him basics of kicking. Then I drafted him and Karthelis into the first fifteen squad.
Since I was coaching Kandy, I managed to get Kandy Fijians for the weekend. (Malik was not aware of it).
The Fijians were Manasa Quoro (man mountain) six foot eight, Opethi Thuruwa and Kiti. Opethi Thuruwa was the Fijian center who had the ability to kick the ball for a long distance where the ball will spin like a rocket. I have never seen anyone having that ability or technique. He taught the finer points of kicking to Wasim, who learned it in a very short period and mastered the art.
Wasim was a lovely child. He played as our regular stand-off, with booming kicks and very effective stand-offs. Wasim later went onto represent Havelocks SC and Sri Lanka.
But as I mentioned, he was a mischievous fellow. Sometimes he was late for practices. I am there by 4.30 sharp on the dot everyday and the boys knew it. If anyone got late, they hide behind the scoreboard especially Munna and Wasim. They usually hide behind the scoreboard and wait till I walk towards railway track side and they start run across the cricket grounds, but others alert me.
Eventually, they get caught and get punished. But it was fun. We all enjoyed practices.
By 2001, I made them a champion side. They were unbeaten league champions after a long time. Wasim was a key player in that champion side.
That Thomian side beat Royal College in 2001. It was a bitter-sweet moment for me as my son was representing Royal College.
When I heard about Wasim’s accident, early in the morning, I visited the scene along with my son and daughter, who is a lawyer.
Being a police officer and since there is an inquiry, I do not want to comment about what I saw and my first impression. But I am making a strong appeal to the authorities and to HE the President to whom I have the highest respect and regard, to have a proper inquiry. In the name of justice, I hope the truth will come out even at this late stage.
Wasim was a charming, innocent, young boy. I was like a father figure to him to the last day. Wherever he sees me, he comes running towards me. He always had that fatherly respect to me.
From what I read in the papers, it seems that finally there is a possibility of justice being meted out to him after three years. A proper investigation unit (CID) is being handling the investigation.
One wonders why it took three years for the inquiry to be conducted. There are reports, government analyst and other specialized unit’s initial report such as post-mortem which are contradicting. These experts’ reports and contradictions are a huge question mark.
From the paper reports, it appears that the investigation is in the last stages moving in the correct direction. But that does not mean that initial suppression of evidence at the outset from top to bottom should not be overlooked (if it has happened).
Why this case was not handed over to a responsible unit like the CID at the initial stages raises many questions. Who is responsible for that delay/suppression also have to be investigated. His Excellency needs to look into these blatant offences committed by state officers.
Those guilty should not be allowed to get away as they live out of tax payers’ money.
Goodbye Wasim! Until we meet again.
Manel / August 10, 2015
I do hope the truth prevails. It is sad that a talented and nice young man met with such a violent death.
If this Rajapaksa brat is involved (signs do point that way) he should be arrested and made to face the law.
It seems this privileged son had a dark evil streak in him, and that he did not care for the lives of others, using his father’s goons to perpetrate such a heinous crime.
I supposed his father and uncle Goata set the example and tone in this country.
/
Kumar R. / August 10, 2015
Three years of no-action and cover up despite all variety of evidence as detailed by no less than the former DIG! All because the king, queen and princes wanted all questions buried with the victim!
Hope this at last helps even the blindest of all to see justifications for Diaspora’s concerns and doubts on all the human rights tragedies in the nation conducted by no other than the elected rules themselves in this blessed nation over so many years.
All those pundits who keep their heads intentionally buried deep underground in fear or as favour to the king and the clan should be ashamed of their actions to stall investigations – and that includes some of the “paid” servants, several of the DR’s who regularly defended the regime and in fact cheer-leaded for them relentlessly when the going was good!
/
sach / August 11, 2015
“Hope this at last helps even the blindest of all to see justifications for Diaspora’s concerns and doubts on all the human rights tragedies in the nation conducted by no other than the elected rules “
LOL
/
AM / August 11, 2015
I just do not understand how both parents are praying in Temples and churches .What kind of con-artists are they fooling Modayas and Sadus .They will rot in hell I am pretty sure.The other guy Gotabaya I am sure he knows all how and what happened.
/
Sukirihamy_Desparity / August 11, 2015
You ask about praying but even last night he dared to say that he would be able to work with MY3 even if Prez MY3 made very clear no cooperation can be thinkable with Mahinda Rajapakshe. This is how this man fools the nation. In this nation, there are over 50% that belong to the vulnerable folks. Amongst them almost 50% vote eligible.. so these are in western point of view – easy targets to stay in active politics.
Votes of people are their food to survive.
/
whywhy / August 12, 2015
sukirihamy
Undeniably we are a racist nation and our politics
also race based.I think the disease is common with
many developing countries with demand and supply
issues badly managed. Easy and cheap political
gain is, to attract the majority race with promises
in their favour mixed with animosity towards the
minorities.The SLFP was born and to date exists on
that line with the support of nowhere – else – to
go parties. Now even a force like JVP stands for
communal harmony for greater economic development
of the country. And in the meantime, racist are
rallying round to create divisions in their own
party and the country, just to survive to destroy
everything others achieve. All for racism, true,
there’s a demand within the majority for this and
this demand has fuelled the growth of similar
lines among the minorities as well.
/
Ben Hurling / August 10, 2015
Manel,
“If this Rajapaksa brat is involved (signs do point that way) he should be arrested and made to face the law.”
That will not happen. RW & UNP are stage managing a show for the dumb Sri Lankan electorate before the General Election.
You and I may feel totally furious about how Tajudeen was murdered with obvious state patronage. But, for UNP monkeys just like for their SLFP colleagues this is nothing big. Bloody murder or extreme torture are nothing new for top brass of the UNP or SLFP. They are not so sentimental about these things like you and me. That is how both UNP & SLFP bigwigs roll.
There are plenty of other cases pending, where Rajapassa brats could be arrested at once. If they so wish. Does it look as if either RW or UNP are in any hurry to do so?
We are being taken for a ride. As usual.
Cheers!
PS: How about that bloody massacre at Welikada prison? In the middle of capital city. Who gave the orders to kill? Neither RW or UNP show any urgency to resolve the mystery. Why? It will be swept under the carpet in due course.
/
Peace Lover / August 11, 2015
for once I agree 100% with you Ben,I wonder if we sri lankans have any hope at all?
/
Lanka Watch / August 11, 2015
Ben,
You said it right. It is you and aye get agitated and get charged when politicians backed murders of the innocents take place but these are day to day routine matter for the leading political parties and how much can they remember.
Former STF head also confirms that it was blue murder and not an accident and what he did about it when he knew it was a murder.
He continued working enjoying the perks of the armed forces. It
is a pity that armed forces personnel were used to carry out these
murders, thus bringing disrepute to the forces.
/
Amarasiri / August 11, 2015
RE: I Am Willing To Cooperate Thajudeen’s Murder Investigation: Former STF Head
See. what he says, “Murder” Investigation.
So there is general acceptance, by tgoise who were involved that, it was a “Murder”
“The retired former DIG and STF Head Lewke writing to The Island newspaper raised serious suspicions on the death of Thajudeen when he wrote “one wonders why it took three years for the inquiry to be conducted. “
Because, it was a “Murder’ and there was foul play.
“Who is responsible for that delay/suppression also have to be investigated. His Excellency needs to look into these blatant offences committed by state officers.Those guilty should not be allowed to get away as they live out of tax payers’ money”
It goes all the way back tp President Rajapaksa, and his cronies in between.
“Meanwhile the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s information center said that there is no evidence to claim that Thajudeen was tortured prior to his death as mentioned in the first released police report to the courts on the 21st of May 2012.”
Who wants to believe a Liar, a Crook, a Thief . a criminal and Murderer?
MaRa MaRa Chatu MaRa
MaRa MaRa Amana MaRa
MaRa MaRa HoRa MaRa
MaRa MarAa Mini MaRu Mara
/
Leon / August 10, 2015
Let’s hope that the passports of the perpetrators of the murder have been impounded. It is possible that those responsible will leave the country. Some might even think of China. There is a need to be proactive.
/
Burt / August 10, 2015
This guy is speaking like a alter boy as if he does not have innocent blood in his hand. Now everyone is an angel, they have forgotten they were part of the problem and the curse of Sri Lanka.
/
General Rommel / August 10, 2015
My honourable friend Nimal,
We all suspected from day one as to who murdered this gentle giant popularly known as “Wassa”!
Can any investigator explain the following to those who are baffled as to this day?
1. Why was the crash site, original Government analyst’s report that differ from postmortem report, and also, the original Police report that states the times and events before the tragedy been tampered with?
2, How do you explain Mr. Thajudeen’s wallet found several meters away from the suspected crime scene?
3. Why is that the vehicle chassis bent in the opposite direction elsewhere than in the area of impact as in most frontal (Head-on) collisions? nt The twisted wreckage is pushed outward as if something exploded from within the vehicle?
4. Was bomb making or explosive residue found inside the car?
5. Depending on qusetionas raised in 3 & 4, was there traces of chemicals from an incendiary or explosive device placed inside the vehicle or thrown from the out side that caused the final “explosion” that seems per-meditated.
6. Why have foreign professionals dealing with cold Case murder mystery investigations (Forensic pathologist, DNA experts and criminal profilers) not been brought into this case?
and a “general” question in the minds of most is
7. Why is the case been so politicized at a time when a “general” election is nearing?
/
Native Vedda / August 10, 2015
General Rommel
You have raised some valid and rational issues regarding this case.
However you should remember that though the police are disposed with sufficient expertise and knowledge in forensic science, ultimately the will of the crooks prevails on the investigation of course from higher up in the hierarchy.
The state is run by network of crooks. Every step of the way crooks would have tampered with evidence and investigation for fear of their life or losing their benefits.
Except the chattering classes ordinary people are not worried so much about these everyday incidents. Even the chattering classes maintain a deafening silence when their voices are most needed and heard, simply because they too are part of this network of crooks.
/
Native Vedda / August 10, 2015
Would Nimal Lewke also shed some light on Welikada Prison massacre, his role if any in the disappearance of many innocent people who were hunted down by STF through out the island since its inception (1983)?
Or would he now snitch his fellow officers who have committed war crimes between 1983 and 2012?
By the way Shamindra Fernando wrote in the Island on 31 August 2012:
“The STF had a critical role to play in eelam war IV. STF veteran DIG Nimal Lewke was at the helm of overall operations as the Commandant of the elite fighting force. Lewke made a major contribution in Sri Lanka’s war against terrorism and was an immense source of strength to successive governments.”
/
shankar / August 10, 2015
that was for the country,this was a personal vendetta.Do you expect MR.Leuke to fight prabhaharan with a toy pistol like when we used to play cowboys and crooks when kids.bang you are dead.I still remember that.The girls used to get the shits when i creep up on them.
BTW mr veddha do you know which organisation was considered the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world?That is until ISIS popped up recently with its beheadings.
leuke was doing his duty by his country.
/
Native Vedda / August 11, 2015
Mrs shankar
You are still infatuated with uniformed men aren’t you? I still remember you defending the army bloke Black and Decker.
Calm down.
Have you ever thought about the families which lost their kith and kin to this brutal force. In the east according to some reliable sources an entire village was rounded up, and under age girls were taken away and raped by members of STF.
The parents of these girls had to cover up those terrible incidents for fear of their lives and cultural taboo.
Are you telling us all members of STF were/are angels from heaven. There have been numerous reports published by domestic and international organisation. The investigation into disappearance between 1987 and 1990 by the Sri lankan state had identified many who were involved in these crimes.
“BTW mr veddha do you know which organisation was considered the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world?That is until ISIS popped up recently with its beheadings.”
Does it give these uniformed men the right to be ruthless as well?
“leuke was doing his duty by his country.”
I am sure he was, however that doesn’t absolve him from whatever extra-judicial activities if any that he or his men under him were involved with.
It is interesting that uniforms do turn you on because of your uniform fetish.
“play cowboys and crooks when kids.bang you are dead”
So you never played cowboys and Indians or cops and robbers.
/
shankar / August 11, 2015
Mr.Veddha,you are attacking leuke,not the STF.Did Leuke order the rapes that you mention here?I have not heard anything bad personally about him.he is trying to see that justice is done for wasim.
You are missing the plot and talking about a brutal war in which both sides committed unbelievable atrocities.Fortunately we have now entered a new era of peace but we can’t allow psychos to butcher in colombo our young lads with impunity due to personal disputes.
/
Native Vedda / August 11, 2015
Mrs shankar
“Mr.Veddha,you are attacking leuke,not the STF.Did Leuke order the rapes that you mention here?”
This is one of the most moronic comment you have written in a public forum. It is best left unanswered.
“I have not heard anything bad personally about him.”
This is not about the person, he could be a lovey-dovey man full of compassion for fellow human being, ………. It is about the institution that he served for 30 odd years. There are well documented cases in which STF had been implicated. Yet you want us to believe that he was unaware of cases of disappearances through out the island and brutal rapes of under age children in the East.
“he is trying to see that justice is done for wasim.”
It should be a welcome change of heart on his part. One lost of life is too many. However there are other questions remain unanswered.
I want him to be a man and tell others what he knew about the brutal history of STF. Information passes rapidly through the rank and file of security forces. The fact that he may be a nice man does not stop him from hearing what was happening in and around him.
“Fortunately we have now entered a new era of peace but we can’t allow psychos to butcher in colombo our young lads with impunity due to personal disputes.”
Absence of war is not presence of peace. Are you implying that you can allow psychopaths to butcher our young lads outside Colombo with impunity? Oh its only the poor kids.
Remember war criminals should be identified and put through a legal process, else they will remain a danger to the community in which they live.
Nimal Lewke can help or speed up the process with his voluntary cooperation.
/
NAK / August 13, 2015
“The investigation into disappearance between 1987 and 1990 by the Sri lankan state had identified many who were involved in these crimes”
Nom Mr.Veddha,Do you demand to punish those who were responsible for these crimes by naming them or are you happy to credit them too to MaRa’s account and punish him for all the crimes.
/
Native Vedda / August 13, 2015
NAK
Three commission reports are gathering dust at the national archive and never been published. These reports have identified 30,000 deaths and the killer(s). Chandrika for the fear of backlash from the armed forces and under the guidance of her uncle Ratwatte never prosecuted war criminals.
By the way between 1987 and 1990 MR was a champion of human rights who took evidences of atrocities all the way to Geneva. Ask him for evidences.
Fortunes have changed for the war criminals.
/
vishvajith / August 11, 2015
DIG Nimal Lewke, A Brave Warrior, you must have been very busy all this time that you couldn’t ” cooperate ” with the investigations before. or a smart chap you are, didn’t want to get involved with people, with real power. Did you really fight for this ?
Never mind, Wasim’s Ghosts ask you stand up and be counted.
/
Agnos / August 11, 2015
Native,
STF personnel were implicated in the
Trinco 5 case as well. I don’t remember if
Lewke was still heading STF then. If he did, he owes it
to the victims ‘s families like Dr. Manoharan to
get to the bottom of it and ensure justice.
/
Native Vedda / August 11, 2015
Agnos
“If he did, he owes it to the victims ‘s families like Dr. Manoharan to get to the bottom of it and ensure justice. “
Even if he was not directly involved in those crimes he would have definitely heard about them through his own b***s carriers within the STF.
/
Tamil from the north / August 14, 2015
@Agnos, the ghosts of those poor children will haunt these murderers for a very long time. Just like Tamil children, these criminals murdered Sinhalese children back in 1989 in the thousands. The Trinco 5 student murders were directly linked to this self proclaimed Sinhala Buddhist racist by the name DIG Kotakadeniya (spelling?). This murderer is still roaming around in the Island as if nothing happened.
/
gamini / August 11, 2015
If the body was charred it could not have happened in a flash but would have burned for a while. Then again the heat must have been so intense that the branches above and the flowers would have wilted. There is no such sign. On the contrary the leaves are green and the flowers are just fine and intact. If the car impacted on the wall for the engine to be thrown out, it certainly would not have only damaged the plaster of the wall alone but would have toppled the wall. No such sign either and the plaster peal looks old and certainly not due to this impact. Besides one can observe the wall is not a strong wall to resist such impact, where part of the wall has already come down and the gap is seen covered by some zinc sheets. The obvious is this vehicle did not meet with an accident at this point, hitting against the wall. If it did, it would have certainly toppled the wall. Further it did not burn there as the branches above look fresh and was burnt elsewhere with the body inside. Thereafter the vehicle with the charred body has been dumped there in a hurry and in the process the engine had come of the vehicle due to ruff and hurried handling. Had the engine come off due to the accident, the engine would have been propelled forward and fallen inside the drain. From the position of the engine in relation to the vehicle has obviously come off when it was dragged to be put there. Hence that position. This could not have been done by a couple of hands, but a team of people.
/
Paddy / August 11, 2015
We are all wasting our time. Can you people even imagine YR being put behind bars?? At the end we, the people, will be holding a dead rope while they proclaim “not enough evidence to prosecute”.
So calm down people and go about your work. Justice will not prevail.
/
Point of View / August 11, 2015
Let’s have some faith shall we ?
Today’s headline ‘Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa had contacted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over the phone on a matter concerning investigations into Wasim Thajudeen’s death.
Responding to the former First Lady’s request, the Prime Minister had said he was not in a position to interfere with investigations into the Rugby player’s mysterious death.’
I am sure, now that it is public, she will deny making the call RW.
/
Paddy / August 11, 2015
If only she had been a good and decent mother, her children (and husband) wont be in this mess.
Ok .. let’s have some faith .. but not a lot, ok !
/
Sapumal / August 11, 2015
I don’t understand what some people trying say here. Mr. Lewke is trying his best to highlight what has happened during a dark era. I know as a security forces officer, there may be certain criticism about him too. However, he can be consider as a gentlemen besides his job and duties. General Kobbakaduwa also used certain tactics against LTTE. Even though we have our own views, he did his job for the country. Not for a single person. I always not align with war. But in this case Mahinda and his Sons act against innocent people who never believed in arms or violence. We all must condemned the act of a dictator against our people.
/
Native Vedda / August 11, 2015
Sapumal
“We all must condemned the act of a dictator against our people”
Mohsen Makhmalbaf exiled Iranian film director has this to say about dictators:
Excerpt
Having followed the failure of the Arab spring, and with his own Iranian experiences in mind, Makhmalbaf thought a lot about ordinary people’s role in dictatorships when making The President. “Look at Syria now,” he says. “President Bashar al-Assad is a bad guy, but are the revolutionaries good? No, some are even worse than him. It’s the same situation with Gaddafi: he was bad but look at the anarchists in power now. In films, dictators are often depicted as bad guys while the people are only seen as oppressed. I wanted to show that the people share the blame, too, because they’re silent. The history of dictatorship is the history of people’s silence. It’s often not dictatorship of power – it’s dictatorship of fear.”
The President’s Mohsen Makhmalbaf: ‘There’s a little Shah in all of us’
The Guardian
10/08/15
http://www.theguardian.com/film/
2015/aug/10/the-presidents-mohsen-
makhmalbaf-theres-a-little-shah-in-all-of-us
/
jay / August 11, 2015
You didnt align with war, ? MR , and we too didnt. That is why we killed the terrorist who aligned with war…
/
confucius tao / August 11, 2015
This exposure just goes to show the deep extent of depravity, immorality, hate, jealousies, impunity, decadence, corruption, abuse of power, brutality, and inhumanity that the Rajapakse clan exercised during their regime. The people of Sri Lanka will be mad and insane to vote to brng back this crook and thug to parliament again. As the ex president of the country Rajapakse has succeeded in establishing Sri Lanka as a criminal and lawless state ridden with vermin and surrounded by crooks and criminals who have the protection from this thug to murder and abduct and rape at their will. The amendment to the constitution by the new government missed an important point in not requiring that all the judges currently sitting in the courts must resign and reapply for their jobs. This would have ensured that at least the judiciary would have been cleansed of the corruption that permeates this noble function. Similarly President Maithipala and RW should have focused their efforts in removing the pus and stink that has been identified in the police force, army, attorney generals office, bribery commission and other law enforcing authorities. A glimmer of hope now exists with these investigations being resurrected to bring these criminals to book. Te Rajapakses have blood on their hands and will be punished in not by the courts by the people of this country. This si why the criminal is so keen to get back to power so that he can use his position to sweep these investigations under the carpet. Urgent action must also be taken to prevent Yoshitha from leaving the country.
/
Barus / August 11, 2015
Thajudeen, May Allah forgive you. None of the governments (past, present, or future) would help you in the hereafter.
These political animals are just drumming up support for their election campaigns; unfortunately, your name is used for this.
On the Day of Judgement, all truths will be revealed. Neither MS, MR, RW,nor YR will matter on that day. If any of those abovementioned were a cause of your death, They will definitely be receive their deserved Verdict from the Creator.
/
Wera / August 11, 2015
Any help offered is commendable even though late. Obviously the DIG has his own reservations based on what he observed at the crime seen and his own connection with his former player. Also, there is a new effort to sow doubts put out by the scoundrels media unit. According to this there was no time for torture because of the time line in the original police report. This is very convenient and was probably inserted at the time to cover up the murder. Basically this time line is a hoax. That car in the picture does not belong to where it has been placed. That jumps out at any sane person looking at it.
/
Burt / August 11, 2015
Nimal Lewke can you cooperate to bring closure to the parents of these bright teenagers or are you just a hypocrite that is looking for publicity and limelight.
“On the 2 January 2006, five students were spending the evening at the beach in Trincomalee. At around 7:30pm, a grenade was thrown from a green three-wheeler towards the students, which according to reports then proceeded into Fort Frederick, the army headquarters. Three of the students were injured from the explosion.
Jeeps from the Sri Lankan police’s Special Task Force (STF) arrived soon after, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police Kapila Jayasekara. Members of the STF, wearing full face masks, put the youths into their jeeps and beat them with their rifle butts.
The students were then pushed onto the road and shot on the seafront, by the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Photograph: TamilNet
The five slain students, who were all 21-years-old when killed, are:
Manoharan Ragihar
(22.09.1985)
Yogarajah Hemachchandra (04.03.1985)
Logitharajah Rohan
(07.04.1985)
Thangathurai Sivanantha
(06.04.1985)
Shanmugarajah Gajendran “
(16.09.1985)
All these kids were around 19yrs and done their A/L and with a lot of promise unlike the dumb idiots who took their lives.
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EDWIN RODRIGO / August 11, 2015
MaRa MaRa Chatu MaRa MaRa MaRa Amana MaRa MaRa MaRa HoRa MaRa MaRa MarAa Mini MaRu Mara. Quite appropriate.
I nearly laughed and then remembered that this is not an occasion for laughter but for tears only – torrents and torrents of tears. Tears for the victim, tears for the family, tears for the community and tears for the nation who elected leaders who looked away then and now want to look back again now.
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Ken Dharmapala / August 11, 2015
There is no direct evidence to say this was a murder. But there are many unanswered questions. This police investigation was in 2012. That was at the height of Rajapakse rule. Police were not independent by any stretch of imagination at that time. If the Rajapakses (siblings and children and others) wanted to cover up anything, the police would acquiesce. Many of those who were promoted to high ranks in the police (as it was in the army, public service, universities etc) were people who would do as the regime wanted. In fact, the kind of officials who were promoted were those who understood what the regime wanted and did the needful without any of the Rajapakse clique having to spell it out. They did not incriminate themselves by word or deed. People undertook these tasks knowing the rewards will be coming their way when something necessary for the Rajapakses was carried out. For example, the Sunday Leader editor’s murder in broad daylight. And there are so many deeds of this nature. The perpetrators, often, would be police and army personnel in civil. The regular cops turned a blind eye for fear of repercussions.
Even after the January 8 victory, many in the country were afraid to talk openly because they knew that the Rajapakse network was still intact, be it in the public service, judiciary, police, armed forces, or wherever else.
January 8 defeat of Rajapase was not substantial. In Sinhala south he maintained a majority and knew that the masses would not allow the Rajapakses to be hauled into court or put through a wringer. The feeble attempts of taking in Basil Rajapakse were just for a bit of publicity. Even the ruling party, the UNP, worked with a wink and a nod at the Rajapakses. There are games that are played on different layers. On the surface, the UNP may make accusations against Rajapakse – that is for public consumption and to feed their supporters. There is an understanding between the two sides that, that is ok. Then at a layer lower there is an understanding that nothing will be done against anyone because there is a “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” in Sri Lankan politics. Politicians know that their fortunes may turn one day and it is better to be in good terms (secretly if needed) with the opposition.
If there is a landslide against Rajapakse at this election, then, things may start to change a bit. But I doubt there would be a landslide. Rajapakse will retain, perhaps, an equal strength in the south as his opponents. And the post January 8 status quo will continue with all these rogues and murders roaming the country free and the administration still manned by the Rajapakse loyalists. Those in the civil society who want to change the country for the better will be hamstrung.
The mindset of the Sinhala masses is xenophobic towards minorities. It is that mindset that the Rajapakses manipulate. And he will continue to have power over these masses without holding office. It will take a long, long time to change this culture.
In a nutshell then, no investigation into anything will ever be revealed, leaving the Rajapakses to claim: I told you, I am clean.
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rio ziegelaar / August 11, 2015
Ben Hurtling said it well.
In Sri Lankan politicks there is not ne respectable person who has character or principles. Some may have studied at good schools in Colombo, but that does not shape your character and well being.
Sri Lanka will aways be what it has been since Independencea SHIT HOLE.
Whether MR, MS or RW and CBK, these are all a bunch of scum bags to me.
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rio ziegelaar / August 11, 2015
Mr Ken Dharamapala, I share you views fully.
“Birds of a feather, flck together”
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Upali / August 11, 2015
The RAJAPAKAYAS ORjARAPAKSHAS SHOULD KNOW THAT THERE IS NEVER A PERFECT CRIME.
jUSTICE WILL Prevail and the truth will always come to the surface as oil does when mixed with water.
Hang them all the long the short and the tall.
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Kumar Sandirasegaram / August 11, 2015
Now that the truth is slowly coming out. We also need the facts relating to the slauter of the Tamil people during the final stages of the war examined by an impartial panel to find out the truth. It’s clear that the truth and facts have been laid to rest without a proper investigations. We could also note the cover ups of these issues on a industrial scale. We also need to examine the facts of the Aluthgama saluter of the innocent. The last regime seems to be economical with their honesty. We have an obligation as civilised society to expose these brutal and totally dishonest thugs who were are rulers until the 8 January this year.
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Dr.Goebells / August 11, 2015
Mr. Nimal Lewke was a champion boxer , an outstanding rugby player who represented Sri Lanka for several years , a brilliant marksman , and above all a great officer who served his country fearlessly for several decades .
Very few people dared to challenge the 2010 – 2015 regime for very obvious reasons. For God’s sake, give him a break .
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shankar / August 12, 2015
if he had challenged what happened to kobbekaduwa would have happened to him,only diff being the bomb would have gone off in the east,not north.
In the case of paranoid preme no need to challenge to get killed.Just getting too popular with the people is enough.inside information would have been leaked to the LTTE to bomb the vehicle with pinpoint accuracy.
Sripathi sooriyarachi challenged the regime and had an ‘accident’.
wasim challenged the prince and had an ‘accident’.
So leuke would have had a grand well attended funeral too.
Timing the challenge is very important.
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Native Vedda / August 11, 2015
Dr.Goebells
” For God’s sake, give him a break.”
He will have his break when he breaks with the past break his wow of silence.
I find inconsistencies between two lines from the same comment.
“Very few people dared to challenge the 2010 – 2015 regime for very obvious reasons.”
“above all a great officer who served his country fearlessly for several decades”
Could you reconcile your own contradiction.
It is question of are you for truth or against it?
What good does it serve if one is only a a brilliant marksman and does not stand by truth?
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thondamannar / August 11, 2015
Leuke has more priorities to cooperate with;
Murder of trinco Five
Richard Soyza’s Murder,
Vijaya Kumaranatunga’s murder
and many more such instances under the UNP regime.
Mr.Leuke the self bragging opoortunists, what Investigations did you know and not even a simple traffic case when occupying the front seat of Ana Seneviratne’s vehicle.
YOU HAVE JUST LODGED YOUR FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH.
Was there extra judicial killings when leading the STF ?
its time to blow your whistle to summon MY3 & Ranil to your rescue and that Lawyer daughter to defend you.
As always Nimal Leuke the opportunists.
He is still not aware whether in service or retired, once a Policeman will always be a policeman.
What does he know about investigations other than being a sportsman and an STF Officer.
What is he seeking now? A man who always clung onto somebody starting from Ana Seneviratne to further himself & not through police work.
Though he was fatherly figure whenever Wasim saw Nimal Leuke, “he only ran towards me” and not to him. Very funny indeed.
To Leuke, Wasim from being a mischievous fellow became a lovely child.
Mr. Leuke, what is this justice you speak of when there is an inquiry going on?
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Native Vedda / August 11, 2015
thondamannar
“He is still not aware whether in service or retired, once a Policeman will always be a policeman.”
You mean they live on freebies.
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Peace Lover / August 12, 2015
Well folk give DIG Lewke a break will you,this happened in 2012 when the Rajapaksa clan was at its peak and we all know what happened to Gen Fonseka when he opposed him,hence its only human that Lewke too acted prudently,we should actually applaud DIG Nimal Lewke for coming out now instead of critizing him
All those who critise now would have done the same thing if they were in Lewkes position at that time due to the fear of the goonda clan in power
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NAK / August 13, 2015
My question is why did he wait for more than eight months until an election is declaired.
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EDWIN RODRIGO / August 13, 2015
So he killed, abducted and tortured others to save his own skin? What a brave man he is!
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Upul / August 13, 2015
Any of you think Lewke was cleaning onions at the STF? Forget about Thajudeen, he knows where many of the bodies are buried or burnt, never to be found.
How did you think him and all the Police and Military big shots educated their children overseas on government salaries? Lewke is trying to sanitise his involvements on the dark side, with his sudden anguish for Thajudeen’s plight. Where the hell was he for the last two years. Protecting his butt!!!
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thondamannar / August 13, 2015
Nimal Leuke has spoken.
If only Thajudeen wakes to corroborate leuke’s story.
Poetic words from Leuke in a dead poet’s society
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Good Governance / August 13, 2015
Death of Wasim, in the prime of his life is sad. If foul play is suspected then the cause of death must be investigated and reported and if there are any culprits responsible for his death then they must be brought to justice. We all can speculate but in doing so we will not do any justice to the investigation. Let the truth be revealed and the action can spring from that point. Let us be patient in the name of Good Governance.
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Anton / August 14, 2015
For justice to prevail in our motherland and also to find the killers of the victims during the previous disastrous regime, we have to thank the Astrologer Sumanadasa and then Hon. Maithreepala Sirisena not forgetting Rev. Maduluwawe Sobitha thero and all the political parties that supported the present President. So far, he has proved to be very correct in all his dealings and he doesn’t rush to take necessary actions. One by one, all the killers will be exposed and in this case it has only to be proved in courts the real culprit whom the whole world is aware of. He is none other than the brother of the former crown prince who would have become another Mugalan if the father became the king.
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Arthur / August 14, 2015
Hats off to you DIG Nimal Lewke!
You have thus spake after several months or years.What a brave man.We are very certain that you might have displayed the same type of bravery and courage while in service as the head of the despicable STF outfit infamous for committing murder,carnage, rape and plunder specially in the Eastern province for more than 30 years.Rape was used as a weapon of war by STF and Nimal Lewke the crooked policeman that he is with the crooked nose was part of it.It was exposed in the Special Presidential Commission Inquiry that it was the STF which was sent to Trinco to strike terror in that area was responsible for the killing of five students on the Trinco beach.Many more atrocities could be attributed to this prospective war criminal.
Not only this, he also interfered with rugby authorities to promote his own son who was a rugby player.Any one familiar with this part of the story may enlighten us to show that Nimal Lewke was no different from the shameless Rajapaksas who sought to promote their own kith and kin in the field of sports as well.
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