Government to review AG opinion on Lasantha murder probe

The Government has decided to review the opinion of the Attorney General (AG) related to the investigations on the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickremetunge following outrage over his legal advice.

Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters the Government has no intention of derailing the investigations into the murder.

He said the Government will review the opinion of the Attorney General and decide the next course of action.

Reporters asked the Minister if the Attorney General will be replaced considering that he seemed to be working against the stand taken by the Government.

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa responded saying no such decision has been taken at the moment.

It was reported earlier that the Attorney General had provided his legal opinion to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) regarding the possibility of releasing three individuals, including an army intelligence officer and a former DIG, who had been named as suspects in the magisterial inquiry before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of The Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge.

In his legal advice, outlined in a letter addressed to the CID Director on January 27, 2025, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe (Jnr) stated that the prosecution does not intend to pursue further legal action against the three suspects: Sergeant Prem Ananda Udalagama, a former sergeant attached to the Army Intelligence Unit; former Crimes Officer-in-Charge of the Mount Lavinia Police, Sub-Inspector Tissa Siri Sugathapala; and retired Senior DIG Prasanna Nanayakkara, in connection with the magisterial inquiry case number B/92/2009, Daily Mirror had reported.

The three suspects were initially arrested and remanded for allegedly covering up evidence related to the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge. They are currently out on bail.

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government is committed to investigating all the major crimes committed since 2006. (Colombo Gazette)