Prageeth Ekneligoda Disappearance: Shani Included In Evidence List

COLOMBO (News 1st);The Attorney General informed the court that CID Director Shani Abeysekara has been named as a witness in the ongoing trial regarding the abduction and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda.

This announcement was made during the hearing before the Permanent Trial-at-Bar, comprising Judges Dr. Namal Balalle, Mahesh Weeraman, and Sujeewa Nishshanka.

The case filed by the Attorney General against Retired Brigadier Shammi Kumararatne, the former commanding officer of the Girithale Army Camp, and nine other military intelligence officers in connection with the abduction and disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, was recalled today.

Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera led the examination of evidence during the hearing.

Testimonies were recorded from Wasantha Kumara, a screenwriter and drama director; Shiva Kumar, a former LTTE member; and Retired Army Soldier Sampath Kumara Weerathunga.

Following the witness examination, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, appearing for the aggrieved party, informed the court that he had previously requested the Attorney General to name CID Director Shani Abeysekara, who had served as the lead investigator in the case since 2015, as a witness.

He stated that this request was made on November 29, 2022, and that Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, who appeared for the prosecution at the time, had acknowledged that the request would be considered.

Kumarapperuma further emphasized that Retired Army Sergeant Ranbanda, who had already been named as a witness in the case, had provided false testimony before the court. 

He noted that prior to giving this testimony, Ranbanda had filed a complaint with the Nikaweratiya Police, claiming he was being threatened.

The President’s Counsel pointed out that the false testimony was given after the complaint was lodged, and urged the court to initiate a proper investigation into the matter.

Responding to these submissions, Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera confirmed that Shani Abeysekara has been named as the 109th witness in the case.

He also stated that if any witnesses are facing threats, they have the right to file complaints with the Victim and Witness Protection Authority.

The next hearing for further witness examination is scheduled for Friday at 10:30 AM.