Sandhya Ekneligoda, widow of disappeared journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, has formally objected to President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka's decision to promote Lieutenant Colonel Thelge Erantha Radeesh Peiris to the rank of Colonel. The controversial promotion has reignited debates about justice and accountability in Sri Lanka's military establishment.
Background of the Disappearance Case
Prageeth Ekneligoda, a prominent Sri Lankan journalist and political cartoonist, disappeared on January 24, 2010, just days before the presidential election. His case became one of the most high-profile enforced disappearances in the country's recent history, symbolizing the broader issues of press freedom and human rights violations.
The journalist was known for his critical commentary on political affairs and his work with various media outlets. His disappearance occurred during a period of heightened political tension, raising immediate concerns about the safety of media personnel and freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.
Legal Proceedings and Indictments
In 2019, the Attorney General's Department took significant action by indicting Lieutenant Colonel Peiris along with several other military personnel on multiple charges related to Ekneligoda's enforced disappearance. The indictment marked a crucial development in the long-running case that had seen limited progress for nearly a decade.
The charges against the accused officers include conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy. These serious allegations stem from investigations that allegedly linked military intelligence operatives to the journalist's disappearance. The case has been proceeding through the court system, though progress has been slow and fraught with complications.
Sandhya Ekneligoda's Protest Letter
In her letter to President Dissanayaka, Sandhya Ekneligoda expressed "deep regret and objection" to the promotion decision. Her protest highlights the ongoing struggle for justice that families of disappeared persons face in Sri Lanka. The promotion of an officer facing such serious charges has been perceived as undermining the judicial process and sending a troubling message about accountability.
Ekneligoda's objection reflects broader concerns about the treatment of cases involving enforced disappearances and the apparent contradiction between seeking justice through the courts while simultaneously rewarding those accused of serious crimes with career advancement.
Implications for Military Accountability
The promotion controversy raises significant questions about accountability within Sri Lanka's military hierarchy. Critics argue that promoting officers facing criminal charges for human rights violations undermines the rule of law and sends a negative signal to both the international community and domestic civil society.
Human rights organizations have long called for comprehensive reforms in how the military handles cases of alleged misconduct by its personnel. The Ekneligoda case has become a litmus test for the government's commitment to addressing past human rights violations and ensuring justice for victims' families.
Presidential Response and Government Position
As of now, the President's office has not issued a detailed public response to Sandhya Ekneligoda's objection letter. The promotion decision appears to have been made through standard military procedures, though the timing and circumstances have made it particularly controversial given the ongoing legal proceedings.
The incident presents a challenge for President Dissanayaka's administration, which has pledged to address issues of accountability and good governance. How the government responds to this controversy may signal its broader approach to handling cases involving alleged human rights violations by state actors.
Broader Context of Press Freedom
The Ekneligoda case remains emblematic of broader challenges facing press freedom in Sri Lanka. Journalists and media workers have long faced threats, intimidation, and violence, with many cases remaining unresolved. The treatment of this particular case is viewed as indicative of the government's commitment to protecting media personnel and ensuring their safety.
International media freedom organizations continue to monitor developments in the case, viewing it as a barometer for press freedom conditions in the country. The promotion controversy adds another layer of complexity to ongoing efforts to improve the media landscape in Sri Lanka.
Looking Forward
The objection raised by Sandhya Ekneligoda underscores the ongoing quest for justice in her husband's disappearance case. As legal proceedings continue, the promotion controversy highlights the tension between military career advancement and accountability for alleged human rights violations.
The case continues to test Sri Lanka's commitment to addressing enforced disappearances and ensuring that those responsible for such acts face appropriate consequences. The outcome may have lasting implications for how similar cases are handled in the future and the broader struggle for accountability in the country's security sector.