President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has sparked controversy by promoting a military officer who faces charges in connection with the 2010 abduction and disappearance of prominent journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. The timing of this promotion has drawn particular scrutiny, as it was granted in January—the same month Eknaligoda vanished 14 years ago.
The Eknaligoda Case Background
Prageeth Eknaligoda, a respected journalist and political cartoonist, disappeared on January 24, 2010, just days before the presidential election. He was known for his critical coverage of the government and his work with various media outlets. Despite extensive investigations and legal proceedings spanning over a decade, his fate remains unknown, making this one of Sri Lanka's most high-profile unsolved cases.
The journalist's disappearance occurred during a period of heightened political tension in Sri Lanka. Eknaligoda had been vocal in his criticism of government policies and military actions, particularly regarding the final phases of the civil war. His disappearance sent shockwaves through the media community and raised serious concerns about press freedom in the country.
Military Officer's Involvement
The promoted military officer is among several suspects who have been charged in connection with Eknaligoda's abduction. Court proceedings have been ongoing for years, with various testimonies and evidence presented linking military personnel to the case. The officer's exact role in the alleged crime and current rank have been subjects of legal scrutiny.
Legal experts have expressed concern about promoting an individual while criminal charges remain pending. This decision raises questions about the separation of administrative actions from ongoing judicial processes. The promotion could potentially be seen as prejudicing the legal proceedings or undermining the seriousness of the charges.
Presidential Decision Under Fire
President Dissanayake's decision to approve the promotion has faced criticism from multiple quarters. Human rights organizations, media freedom advocates, and opposition politicians have questioned the appropriateness of advancing the career of someone facing such serious allegations.
The timing of the promotion adds another layer of controversy. January marks not only the month of Eknaligoda's disappearance but also serves as an annual reminder for his family and supporters who continue seeking justice. Many view the timing as particularly insensitive to the ongoing pain of the victim's family.
Press Freedom Concerns
This development has reignited discussions about press freedom and journalist safety in Sri Lanka. Media organizations have long called for accountability in cases involving attacks on journalists and media workers. The promotion of a suspect in such a high-profile case sends mixed signals about the government's commitment to protecting press freedom.
International media watchdogs have consistently ranked Sri Lanka poorly in press freedom indices, citing various incidents of harassment, intimidation, and violence against journalists. The Eknaligoda case remains a symbol of these broader challenges facing media freedom in the country.
Family's Ongoing Struggle
Prageeth Eknaligoda's family, led by his wife Sandhya Eknaligoda, has fought tirelessly for justice over the past 14 years. They have pursued legal avenues, engaged with human rights organizations, and maintained public pressure for accountability. The recent promotion represents another setback in their quest for answers and justice.
Sandhya Eknaligoda has become a prominent advocate for families of disappeared persons in Sri Lanka. Her persistence in seeking justice for her husband has made her a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of institutional challenges.
Legal and Political Implications
The promotion raises several legal and political questions. Legal experts debate whether administrative decisions should be suspended when individuals face serious criminal charges. The precedent set by this promotion could influence how similar cases are handled in the future.
Politically, the decision may impact President Dissanayake's relationship with civil society groups and international partners who have supported accountability efforts. The move could be seen as contradicting campaign promises or previous statements about justice and transparency.
Call for Accountability
Civil society organizations and human rights groups continue to demand accountability in the Eknaligoda case and other similar incidents. They argue that promotions of suspects undermine confidence in the justice system and send wrong signals about impunity.
The case highlights broader challenges in Sri Lanka's transitional justice processes. Despite various mechanisms and investigations over the years, families of disappeared persons continue to seek concrete results and accountability for past crimes.
As legal proceedings continue, the promotion of the military officer in the Eknaligoda case remains a contentious issue that reflects deeper tensions between administrative decisions and judicial processes in Sri Lanka's ongoing struggle with accountability and justice.