UK links SF to Lasantha killing

11 April 2011 07:05 am - 48 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Sri Lanka government says it was told by British officials that they had evidence to suggest former military chief Sarath Fonseka was involved in the assassination of the editor of Sunday Leader.

Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, a ruling party MP, told BBC Sinhala service that the defence attaché of the British High Commission (BHC) in Colombo "gave a note" that accused then General Fonseka of being responsible for the assassination.

A spokesperson at the BHC in Colombo told BBC Sinhala service: "The British High Commission in Colombo would willingly share with the Sri Lankan authorities any evidence it obtained that shed any light on the assassination of the Sunday Leader Editor.”

General Fonseka, commander of the Sri Lanka army under President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during the war later selected as the common presidential candidate by the major opposition parties against Mr Rajapaksa.

British authorities have neither denied nor confirmed Prof Wijesinha’s statement.

"When the election came they (the British HC) took his side and did not provide us with the information," Prof Wijesinha told BBC Sandeshaya.
But the UK authorities have denied having favoured Gen Fonseka at January 2010 presidential elections.

“The UK Government remains impartial during elections in other countries. We did not favour any candidate in the Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka in 2009,” the BHC spokesperson said.

The US State Department report says that there has been no progress in investigations into the killing of Sunday Leader editor, Lasantha Wickrematunga and the disappearance of LankaeNews journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda.

In response Prof. Wijesinghe admitted that "it is necessary" to properly investigate the assassination but there was what he called a danger of government being accused of "political victimization" if they pursue the case against Fonseka.

"But of course we shouldn't stop investigations just because we will be accused of political victimizations," said Prof. Wijesinghe.

Lasantha Wickrametunga was shot dead in Colombo on 08 January, 2009. The attackers were never caught.

In a posthumously published editorial attributed to Lasantha he said, "When finally I am killed, it will be the government that kills me." (BBC Sinhala)

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Comments - 48

FRANNY Monday, 11 April 2011 04:25 PM

In general the British are prompt on reporting such investigations, wonder why it took so long and what connection has London on this matter

Sara Monday, 11 April 2011 01:20 PM

My problem is what is the matter with killing one guy. He was also a human being who killed as well as other several thousands. Is UK concerened about all of them?

Sebaa Monday, 11 April 2011 01:19 PM

See the person who runs the very top seat in forces. Finally it should stop there.

shan Monday, 11 April 2011 01:26 PM

IF YOU NEED ANY INVESTIGATION PLEASE GO TO UK AND COMPLAIN

mama Monday, 11 April 2011 01:38 PM

I thought he was killed in Sri Lanka, not in London.

lukman Monday, 11 April 2011 01:25 PM

This is media,s world. What ever they bluff its blind.... Things are solved as long as people are wise and make their own decision..

Gunasili Monday, 11 April 2011 01:27 PM

The latest plan to extend the prison life of S.F/

Sinhalaboy Monday, 11 April 2011 03:15 PM

Correct Sir, if SF comes out he will tell the world the truth behind the MAy18th killings. Well PLayer SL government.

longus Monday, 11 April 2011 03:23 PM

A hypothetical question in a hypothetical situation!

longus Monday, 11 April 2011 03:24 PM

This is not "kindergarten" fight!

Yehiya-Doha Monday, 11 April 2011 03:27 PM

Are you from Oxford....................

Dinithi Monday, 11 April 2011 03:15 PM

Well they can prove he did it. But it would have implicated the government as well. He was working under orders in the war.

Wimal_Modawansa Monday, 11 April 2011 12:58 PM

Excellent story.
Your office is extended for another term.

Jude Monday, 11 April 2011 04:40 PM

I wish we won't push in to a situation like in Libya..

kari Monday, 11 April 2011 04:59 PM

Ithink Prof. Rajitha is seeking for a new post as his term is going to be over soon...... Excellent tack ticks...

citizen1 Monday, 11 April 2011 05:25 PM

Another shabby hocus pocus story by the govt.

Lokaya Monday, 11 April 2011 05:37 PM

Dehiya from Katar

What does it matter whether it is Oxford or otherwise?
It it painful to hear the truth?

Ane Apoi Tuesday, 12 April 2011 12:08 AM

SF's jail term is coming to a close, so must find new reasons to keep him behind bars. What a country!! KP is now desecrated a Saint, we guess??

Nishantha Rajapakse Tuesday, 12 April 2011 12:26 AM

you are a clown machan... jump into a well please...

sheh Tuesday, 12 April 2011 12:20 AM

well,since SF was under the government when the incident happened,was he merely taking someone else's orders??

TC Tuesday, 12 April 2011 01:49 AM

Western or EU nation is now a bosom friend?

noxurs Tuesday, 12 April 2011 01:57 AM

I am sure if SF joins Govt he can get the Govt to do another "Chandana Kathriarachchi" deal. Any way all of a sudden "OXFORD" and all that is forgotten!!!

noxurs Tuesday, 12 April 2011 01:58 AM

The C in C. Dont ask who the C in C is.

zorro Tuesday, 12 April 2011 10:29 AM

since when we trust the UK news? and no UK bashing from the patriots!

Tsunami Monday, 11 April 2011 11:39 AM

Evidence will come out with a guise of a BHUTHAYA

thinker Monday, 11 April 2011 07:34 AM

We are told that the British know more than the Govt. Another Govt boob?

YP Monday, 11 April 2011 08:19 AM

In this case, UK is a friend, for all others, it's the foe!

Fayad Monday, 11 April 2011 10:00 AM

Please come out with evidence this is a serious allegation.
No evidence keep your mouth shut

local boy Monday, 11 April 2011 10:10 AM

what ever, no one can escape from sins, be it MR or SF

Saradial Monday, 11 April 2011 10:22 AM

If SF with Government what will be the response of Government?

Nihal Amarasekera Monday, 11 April 2011 10:48 AM

This is life; in death.

bigsam Monday, 11 April 2011 10:49 AM

There was ample time between the killing and the election for the govt to ask for the evidence - why wasn't it done then?

Peter Monday, 11 April 2011 10:50 AM

If SF did it it may have been with the blessing of the Govt.

Sebaa Monday, 11 April 2011 11:16 AM

Channel 6 is also from UK.... lets think about it as well..!!!

w.g.l Monday, 11 April 2011 11:20 AM

UK mast been havening more then that evidence

Jeyaraj Fernandopull Monday, 11 April 2011 11:17 AM

DEAR PROFESSOR , Why so late ? pls. reveal who is this British officials.shame !!!! if you are a real gentleman & academic ,you couldn't say these things.

Smart Guy Monday, 11 April 2011 07:30 AM

We knew before tham. Ha ha

Nan Monday, 11 April 2011 11:49 AM

oh please!

FRANNY Monday, 11 April 2011 11:55 AM

WHAT NEXT ! WHAT A FUNNY STORY

FRANCIS BENEDICT Monday, 11 April 2011 11:56 AM

Now the true colours of Sarth Fonseka are slowly been made public! He is not the person you see!

Pradeep Monday, 11 April 2011 11:52 AM

They even have the evidence about what happened in the final phase of the war and how many civilians killed

hiru Monday, 11 April 2011 12:00 PM

what a joke,like the LTTE camps in Tamil nadu.big story,no content.

Saman Monday, 11 April 2011 12:23 PM

What is UK telling for Prabhakaran's assasination? Is there no any link with SF??
Aiyo Aiyo...
Mehemat Politics

Mohan Monday, 11 April 2011 12:28 PM

britsh also said govt killed 40,000 tamils :-)

Yehiya-Doha Monday, 11 April 2011 12:30 PM

Now mudsling to SF

hila Monday, 11 April 2011 12:45 PM

Even if the army did it, who do you think gave the order ?

Paul Monday, 11 April 2011 01:05 PM

This government sent the General to prison for two and half years for nothing.If they had an iota of proof for this allegation,I can't even imagine what thy would do to him.

harry Monday, 11 April 2011 01:03 PM

UK also knows about that diplomatic passport issued to Karuna (Kokila) some time ago.

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UK links SF to Lasantha killing

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