Sandya Ekneligoda, who has spent 16 years fighting for justice over her husband's disappearance, received shocking death threats after opposing the promotion of military personnel accused in journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda's abduction case. The threats came under the current NPP government, marking a disturbing escalation in intimidation tactics against the grieving widow.
Death Threats Target Justice Advocate
The death threat against Sandya Ekneligoda was not merely a warning but a vicious personal attack filled with obscene language targeting her dignity. This intimidation came after she publicly opposed the promotion of military officials allegedly connected to her husband's disappearance case.
Prageeth Ekneligoda, a prominent journalist and political cartoonist, disappeared on January 24, 2010, just days before the presidential election. His case became one of Sri Lanka's most high-profile enforced disappearances, with military intelligence personnel facing charges in connection with his abduction.
The timing of these threats is particularly significant, occurring under the NPP government that many hoped would bring accountability and justice to such cases. Instead, Sandya finds herself facing the same pattern of intimidation that has plagued her family for over a decade.
16-Year Battle for Justice
Sandya Ekneligoda's relentless pursuit of justice has made her a symbol of resilience for families of the disappeared in Sri Lanka. Despite facing numerous obstacles, threats, and legal setbacks, she has refused to abandon her quest for answers about her husband's fate.
Her opposition to military promotions stems from her belief that those accused of involvement in her husband's disappearance should not be rewarded with career advancement while the case remains unresolved. This stance has apparently triggered the latest wave of threats against her.
The case has seen multiple developments over the years, including arrests of military intelligence personnel, court proceedings, and various investigations. However, Prageeth's fate remains unknown, and no one has been convicted for his disappearance.
Military Personnel Promotion Controversy
The controversy surrounding military promotions in cases involving enforced disappearances highlights broader issues of accountability within Sri Lanka's security forces. Families of victims argue that promoting accused personnel sends a message of impunity and undermines ongoing legal proceedings.
Sandya's vocal opposition to such promotions represents her commitment to ensuring that those allegedly responsible for her husband's disappearance face consequences rather than career advancement. Her stance has drawn both support from human rights advocates and apparent hostility from those seeking to silence her.
The death threats suggest that powerful interests remain determined to prevent accountability in the Ekneligoda case and similar disappearances that occurred during Sri Lanka's conflict period.
Pattern of Intimidation Continues
This latest threat against Sandya Ekneligoda follows a long pattern of intimidation faced by families seeking justice for enforced disappearances. Throughout her 16-year struggle, she has encountered various forms of pressure designed to make her abandon her pursuit of truth.
The obscene and threatening language used in the recent death threat represents an escalation in the tactics used against her. Such personal attacks appear designed not just to intimidate but to degrade and demoralize a woman who has become an inconvenient voice for accountability.
Human rights organizations have consistently documented how families of the disappeared face intimidation, surveillance, and threats when they demand justice. Sandya's case exemplifies this broader pattern of silencing victims' families.
Implications for Press Freedom
Prageeth Ekneligoda's disappearance and the ongoing intimidation of his widow highlight serious concerns about press freedom in Sri Lanka. As a journalist and political cartoonist known for his critical commentary, Prageeth's case became emblematic of attacks on media personnel.
The continued threats against his wife suggest that even family members of disappeared journalists remain targets for intimidation. This creates a chilling effect that extends beyond individual cases to impact broader media freedom and civil society activism.
International media freedom organizations have long called for justice in Prageeth's case, viewing it as a test of Sri Lanka's commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring accountability for crimes against media personnel.
Call for Protection and Justice
The death threats against Sandya Ekneligoda demand immediate attention from authorities and civil society. Her safety must be ensured while she continues her legitimate pursuit of justice for her husband's disappearance.
The case also highlights the need for systemic reforms to address impunity and ensure that those accused of serious crimes, including enforced disappearances, face proper legal consequences rather than career advancement.
As Sandya Ekneligoda faces these latest threats, her courage in continuing the fight for justice serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for accountability in Sri Lanka and the personal cost borne by those who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.