By Ahimsa Wickrematunge –
Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Sri Lanka,
Temple Trees,
Colombo 03
Prime Minister,
Yesterday, in a political speech, you referred to my father, and your close friend, Lasantha Wickrematunge, who was murdered on 8th January 2009. Responding to a claim by Gotabaya Rajapaksa that as president, he would create an environment without fear, you asked whether Rajapaksa would apologise for my father’s murder and several other gruesome crimes.
Let me put your mind at ease. No. Gotabaya Rajapaksa will never apologise for my father’s murder. In television interviews over the last 10 years, he has made no secret of the fact that he was proud of it. He has made up his mind not to apologise. But have you, Prime Minister? Will you apologise for spending the last four and a half years protecting and cavorting with the man you today call a mass murderer?
From the day my father died, you have invoked his name to win votes. My father’s murder was a prop in the 2015 presidential and parliamentary election campaigns that made you Prime Minister. You brought President Sirisena to power and won control of Parliament for the UNP, all by promising justice for my father’s murder.
As soon as you came to power, your priorities changed. When I met you at Temple Trees in February 2015 to appeal for your support in making sure my father’s killers saw justice, you told me that there were “other priorities” and that justice was “not just about Lasantha.”
I have since seen what these priorities are. The police, which came under the direct purview of your Chief of Staff, did not bring Gotabaya Rajapaksa to justice. Proving the MiG Deal is a critical part of proving why my father was killed. But on your watch, a corrupt officer in charge of the FCID botched the MiG Deal investigation and kept Gotabaya’s name out of it.
Because it is election season, you are publicly attacking him as a killer. But even as you do so, your Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake and other ministers are visiting him and spending hours at his residence, your government is allegedly issuing him irregular identity cards and passports and your senior aide and niece is openly promoting Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s campaign propaganda on social media.
This is the kind of treatment that you and your staff mete out to the people you call murderers. However, whenever the CID needed help with my father’s case, you were nowhere to be seen.
Where were you, Prime Minister, when the army and intelligence services refused to cooperate with the investigation? What did you do when you were told a critical informant against Gotabaya Rajapaksa needed protection? And when my father’s lead murder investigator, Inspector Nishantha Silva, was kicked out of the CID by the President, why did you not lift a finger in protest?
For months now, your Attorney-General has been forcibly shutting down investigations involving Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Tripoli death squad, covering up their involvement and pressing charges against foot soldiers. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was let off the hook in the Ekneligoda case despite two officers confessing that he personally ordered the abduction. Rajapaksa has not even been questioned about these sworn confessions. Even though Upali Tennakoon was attacked using four motorbikes, only two junior soldiers are being charged. Rajapaksa and the Tripoli team got off scot free. Will you do anything meaningful to seek accountability?
No. Instead, your family and senior staff continue to bond with Gotabaya Rajapaksa, while you blithely call him a murderer in public. If you become President or remain Prime Minister, I am certain that the mysteriously absolute impunity that Gotabaya Rajapaksa has enjoyed on your watch will continue unabated.
Now that the man who boasted about my father’s demise is formally a presidential candidate, I pray that his opponent will be an honest and courageous politician who embodies justice, equal protection under the law and mature, responsible governance. I pray that the candidate who opposes Rajapaksa will not be someone who cuts backroom deals and compromises his principles to ensure his own political survival to the detriment of his party and his country.
There is but one last hope for me and the other survivors and victims of white van era brutality. Gotabaya Rajapaksa must be challenged and defeated by a contender who is committed to delivering justice when in government, and not by someone who exploits victims to win elections and thereafter entertains people he calls murderers at his official residence.
Simply put, if this country remains at your mercy and at the mercy of your new friend, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, then there is no hope that your old friend, my father Lasantha Wickrematunge, will ever receive justice.
With the utmost sincerity,
Ahimsa Wickrematunge
cc. Members of the United National Front Parliamentary Group
cc. Members of the United National Party Working Committee
Mario / August 14, 2019
This should be published in Sinhala,
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Gune / August 14, 2019
Ahimsa , politicians serve themselves. Your father would have told you that. Dont expect justice from any politician but justice will find Gota. Justice will find Ranil W. They will never be able to rest. But your father can Rest In Peace. You will be at peace.
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Vimal Perera / August 14, 2019
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Suriya / August 15, 2019
Great Letter and thank you Ahimsa. More power to you, be of good courage and keep up the struggle.
Sri Lanka belong to the Young women and men of your generation and it is time to send US puppets, Bondscam Ranil and US citizen Gota Rajapaksa, to share the same prison cell.
US puppets Ranil-Gota and Rajapssa brothers, and their UNP-SLFP, bi-partisan corruption racket partnership was brokered in Washington long ago by Blake Pala in order to set up US military bases in Sri Lanka with their help and USAID an MCC corruption experts and advisors like Prasad Kariyawasam who have turned the Parliament into a Cesspit of corruption and privileges for politicians.
The truth about US puppet Bondscam Ranil is no longer deniable by the Colombo NGO ladies who came out with Sarees to protect Ranil during clown Sira and Jarapassa coup.
Sri Lanka belongs to your generation Ahimsa so please mobilize the youth in the struggle to save Lanka from these vile doddering generation of super-corrupt politicians.
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Sinhala_Man / August 14, 2019
Ahimsa, you have done all that could ever have been expected of you.
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Keep it up, maybe, a little longer. As Mario has said, just two comments earlier, but on the previous page, somebody must produce a translation of this, into both Sinhala and Tamil. I also notice that Grusha Andrews has expressed solidarity with you – she has the ability to put it into Sinhala.
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Let us hope that the candidates of both the main parties are given at least a run for their money by some dark horse. A bit far-fetched, but possible. It would make a huge difference if the message is got across to people that before giving a THIRD PREFERENCE to one of the undeserving main candidates, that they are told that the all-important FIRST PREFERENCE could be given to some honest candidate whose credentials are known to the voter.
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Most Sri Lankans vote like fools, but it would be self-defeating to tell them whom to vote for on the assumption that they are all fools. Some can think; it is upto us to carry on the work of Lasantha and Ahimsa.
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Ahimsa, you are yet young. You have dedicated as great a portion as could be effective to highlighting injustice. Now, bless yourself by living a full life of your own. If the next six months of intense political activity yield little, accept that as one of the limitations that all humans have to come to terms with.
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KS / August 14, 2019
Thank you CT for publishing it. Ahimsa, you courageous daughter, nothing can be expected from Sri Lankan politicians. RW has no loyalties for friends or anyone else unless it serves him at that time
The dedicated investigating officers have unearthed evidence against culprits. Low ranking security personal will be made scape goats even if they are proven (that will have to be a miracle in the justice system going by the case of Raviraj assassination). Evidence show the individuals used to carry out or cover up the incidents had no grudges against their victims (Even if they had, what they did was not acceptable) and no motives except following orders. These were the hand-picked, brain-washed and trained individuals – no saints. That is why they do not break easily
These are the facts the families including children of them have still not understood and they continue to cry foul. Please reach out to them and ask them to pursue their fathers to tell the truth rather than ruining themselves and that of their families. Citizens must do that too. Justice will not happen unless it is relentlessly perused. It is irony the families of victims and preparators, all end up in US
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Dr. Dharshana W / August 14, 2019
I do have a remorse for those who are politically or otherwise effected? Is Amishma W the only concern? Aren’t there many more hundreds or thousands of people feeling the same concern, but unable to rise their issues ?
Many people ( including several famous ones) have either disappeared or was announced have migrated to to Western Countries.
We in Sri Lanka have being struggling to perceive a true democratic mode of governance, but alas every time a new government is elected, they seem to ignore the basic rules of democracy , and make way as if they are the dictators.
This creates a a total dis-connect between Neo-federalism and the Socialistic Democratic process.
Who wins, and who concedes is now a matter of discretion. I’ve thoroughly analyzed the different stages of our case study, and thus request the permission of Mr. Keshav Murugesh (CEO of WNS) to publish the findings of my research study.
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වසන්ත / August 14, 2019
[Edited out] We are sorry, the comment language is English – CT
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Amarasiri / August 16, 2019
Vasantha,
The comment language is Para-English, and not Para-Sinhala or Para-Tamil.
Remember, a language is just a medium of communication.
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Kugan / August 14, 2019
Ahimsa
My heart goes out with you,see the feelings but you are the not only one there are thousands of Sri Lanka’s like you from all community.yes you are asking for justice but we know the fate who asked for drinking water.
On aug 12th he visited the Ruwenwelisaya and got blessed by the high rank monk for his power hunger.
I rather urge you to leave the course for all mighty and leave your dad in peace.
We all know how Thanajudden fabricated car accident and the Welikada prison riots and left the T56 next to the dead prisoners and told the media they had the weapons.
Not only that his loyals still in prison they all die heart for this utter in return they will get out like Hundreds.
Even our sitting ptez manslaughtered 200 odds lives.but there is no justice,it’s a blood thirst nation.
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Eagle Eye / August 14, 2019
Kugan,
“it’s a blood thirst nation.”
It is ‘Para Demalu’ who are blood thirsty, not Native Sinhalayo and Vedda Eththo. ‘Para Demalu’ from Hindusthan came to Sinhale and massacred Sinhalayo from 3rd Century BC. They invaded Sinhale 52 times and destroyed Sinhala Kingdoms in the Northern part of the country forcing Sinhalayo to move to South. During colonial period ‘Para Demalu’ did not invade Sinhale because they were scared of the ‘Gun Power’ of colonial parasites. After British left, blood thirsty descendants of slaves brought from Hindusthan started doing the same thing their ancestors did and massacred Sinhalayo. Killing is in the genes of Demalu.
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Kugan / August 14, 2019
Eagle Eye
King Ashoka Chakravarti wants you all to be civilized society but out come . …
Gun power don’t forget the VP era how you all hide under the bed and skirts,even your future prez all the way to US and got asylum,even you yourself sacred to identify who you are!!
Look at the young girl who list her loving father;you don’t even have a sympathy for her,you studied Buddhism in Pali I hope better start learn Mandarin too.
Look at the stake of the country,just think about the future rather than jealous of the minorities,
Even your Gota knows it’s shady future of the country that’s why he wants to keep the US citizenship you modoyos.
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Easy-E / August 15, 2019
Kugan ignore the Blind Eagle, he’s kind of our pet racist over here. You can almost see the teeth gnashing from his little comment. Sad.
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Mani Arachchi / August 15, 2019
He renounced his citizenship. You people voted overwhelmingly to the roothless person general who eradicated your heroes. I don’t understand you guys mindset.
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Roger Haĺliday / August 14, 2019
This is a land like no other. A person is fined for plucking a few coconuts. A principle is charged for a bribe of 35000. But all this big thieves who robs in millions murderers drug dealers and those who paid millions in rent for unoccupied building are roaming free. The present government has maintained the trend. This will continue no one can stop these 225 thieved
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CondemnedLizaPriceless / August 14, 2019
Correction Mr. Halliday,
“This is a land like no other” need to be changed to, “this is a criminal land like no other”. agreed that our’s is a land governed and rule by criminals who have made this criminal avocation into a criminal aristocracy that serve none but criminals i society among a few law abiding innocent citizens. This has been the norm since King Vijaya the criminal set foot into this land. The land WAS a paradise ((needs to be written and spoken in the past tense) like no other before this hallowed land was made into CRIMINA-Lanthaya. Agreed Mr. Halliday with the rest of your sentiments. I think the 225 theives need to 219 (225-6 of the JVP). I have my rancor and personal differences with the JVP. However, let it be said that these boys currently in parliament are not thieves like the rest.
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Rajash / August 14, 2019
CondemnedLizaPriceless – correction 219- TNA Parliamentarians – I dont think they are thieves either
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Gune. / August 14, 2019
I read your article again. I am shocked by RW’s response to you following his election victory. “When I met you at Temple Trees in February 2015 to appeal for your support in making sure my father’s killers saw justice, you told me that there were “other priorities” and that justice was “not just about Lasantha.” “
How dare he takes the mandate given by us to take the Rajapakse ‘s to task following the UNF victory and not do anything about it. He is not only answerable to you but to us the voters who put him there. If he thinks he will have my vote to do only as he pleases he needs to think again about putting himself forward as a candidate. I hope he reads all the comments on this thread to know how much he is disliked now.
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Anura / August 14, 2019
For Ranil, Lasantha, Tahjudeen etc, those who got killed by Rajapaksas’ are always in his pocket for him to pull out, whenever he wants for his selfish interest but he is not there to get justice for them. Real scoundrel and rascal, people thought he was a cultured and educated man but a worthless shit mean block and selfish scheming fellow, not worth at all to be a leader.
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Mani Arachchi / August 15, 2019
You are barking the wrong tree. Find the real culprit who did the crime. You know them but utter no words.
Also, why waited 4 years to say this now?
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TB / August 15, 2019
We salute you Ahimsa, truth will prevail and these criminals will go down in the history as two of the most corrupt politicians who covered each other’s crimes!
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Extra Cover / August 15, 2019
I agree with you Anura. I voted for this
Butterfly Ranil but I never thought he was an absolute bastard.
There is no alternative in sight. Where is Sri Lanka heading ?
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Extra cover / August 15, 2019
Well said Gune. You have my blessings.
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Nathan / August 15, 2019
Eagle Blind, where were you? Someone told me that you are no more and attained mahasamadhi? Why dont you allow us in peace?
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Jagath Silva / August 15, 2019
it was the most repugnant and repelling scene, i have witnessed.. A communist publicly hugging a dictator. It is none other than the communist party of Sri Lanka
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Vinith / August 15, 2019
colombo telegraph has embarkedon a ranil bashing spree. shame on you.
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Nathan / August 15, 2019
Blind Eagle, let me first apply gun powder on your back end and see what happens. Can you remember the famous “kotti Friday” when you bugger running for your life with sarama lifted above your belly while exposing your kunu amudey. Didn’t we call you guys as “Runner Sinhas”. I saw the ladies were even leaving behind looted items and running for their lives, scaling walls. Silva’s, pereras, machado, Salgado, mendis, jayasinghe, marasinghe, Munasinghe, Weerasinghe, Upasinghe, Serasinghe, all became Runner Singhas just for a rumour. Other weerayas were hiding in the indian naval ship off galleface. Come on Eagle, you should never throw stones from a glass house. When kitties really came some guys in the US and some in bunkers. Pakka story bang.
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Stanley Godamunne / August 15, 2019
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shankar / August 15, 2019
dear ahimsa
it would be better if you redraft your questions like this
dear mr.wickremesinghe
1.why did you name sarath fonseka as my father’s killer in parliament?
2.if he was my father’s killer then why did you nominate him as the common opposition presidential candidate?
3.If he was my father’s killer why did you allow him to become a member of your party and a cabinet minister.
4.with regard to question 1,was it done to distract parliament from the real killer?
5.As you are now been found out to be trying to make a pact with Mr.gothabaya rajapakshe,were you even at the time my father was killed a mole working for him,and asked to implicate Mr.fonseka.
6knowing that my father was killed a day before he was to attend court to give vital evidence against Mr.Gotabhaya rajapakshe regarding the MIG deal,why did you mention mr.sarath Fonseka and completely omit Mr.Gothabaya’s name as my father;s killer.
I hope you have the courage and backbone to give an answer to these questions.many in sri lanka say you don’t have such qualities at all and as such you are unfit to be a leader,but i feel that they may be wrong as hope springs eternal in my breast.
ps.iam sending the copy of this letter to the new york times and washington post,and etc etc.
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Sinhala_Man / August 16, 2019
Shankar,
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The additional points that you have raised have great significance.
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Henry Fernando / August 16, 2019
Hon. PM your days are numbered, Unfortunately our country or UNP itself failed miserably to figure out your calibre as a politician but now it is crystal clear to even an unsuspecting poor old villager the double standards in your politics. These sentiments are based on careful analysis of reliable information and based on ground realities and your conduct and decisions which are topsy-turvy. Grievances echoed by Ahimsa is a cry to heaven for justice which you are trying to sweep under the carpet, from your flabbergasts in political platforms in 2014/15 all perpetrators should have been serving Jail terms so the Electorate presumed,but alas you are hand in glove with the very people with blood stains in their hands. Can you deny that???. We think it is Divine providence even at this eleventh hour people have got courage and wisdom to discern who is who and who is playing double and multiple games in politics and continuing to cheat the unsuspecting poor who are hoping for emancipation.
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Mike / August 16, 2019
Poor Eagke Eye still suffering from denial of his Hindustan roots;
No amount of slandering the Demala people can wash away the Hindustan blood running in your veins.
Please dont try to group your self with the real natives who are the Veddah Etho..
By the way how are your rellatives in Bihar and Bengal?
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bhumiputhra bandaara / August 19, 2019
isay Ahmsa it is a tragey for someone to lose his or her father but youshouldknow insrilanka legal system is Romam Dutch law under which it is esponsibility of prosecution toprove beyond doubt the crimehad those raising their voice and finger to gota done their part. It was common knowledge their were many so called journalists paid by LTTE I myself was in a ministry publicity section many journalists warned LASSA that was the pet name given by them to your father asking him to not to play with fire because of the war situation many people hate those who attack security establishment as much as hey hate PRABAKARAN gota neednot detail people to kill those LTTE supporters my brother was was a commisioned officer in the Army active in the North his men were ready to give their life for him if he only shows hi worried face is enough for them to find out why boss is worried they will volunteer to eliminate the thorn I am very well aware of this fact if an experienced officer want to eliminate a thorn he can plan the act meticulously without leaving evidence It is easy to blame people proof of an accusation is the real battle. I served government for 38 years overseas visits of JR. PREMADASA AND MANY MINSTERS but did not left a single documentary evidence even for Auditor General to question the expenses in order to avoid embarrassment to President and PM that is how veterans do things so it is best for the newsmen to learn how to deal with news reporting in a war situation study how christene Amonpour of CNN reported GULF WAR news should not be made a tool for personal glorification and to earn a profit this is the blunder your father and that Eknalioda bugger did
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