Still Waiting: Families of Murdered Journalists Demand Action

Decades have passed since some of Sri Lanka’s most controversial killings of Lasantha, Ekneligoda, Raviraj, Shri Ram, Wasim and hundreds of others, whose deaths have not seen a decent inquiry or prosecution. Instead of delivering justice to these killings, since 2010, at each election trial, this has become a political game where the families and loved ones of these victims continue to be spectators waiting in anguish and frustration, watching everyone play with their grief.  

Is this due to political leverage or cautionary tales about getting involved with the wrong people, prevailing impunity and ineffective judicial processes within the country that the families and friends of these victims have not been able to achieve justice?

The Current Government also used it as an election promise and appears to be making some progressive moves. That is commendable, but still, doubt remains about their true intentions, as it looks like they are trying to divert public attention with media leaks as entertainment.

As the wait for justice continues, we hope that at least this government will fulfil its fundamental duty by expediting the judicial procedures with due process and transparency for the families and friends of these victims to receive justice, and they can gain a proper closure to their agonised experience of losing a loved one.

Vinodini Jayawardena