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Missing journalist’s case: UPFA MP called to give evidence
UPFA Parliamentarian Arundhika Fernando was noticed to appear in court on July 16 to give evidence in the habeas corpus case probing the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. Homagama Magistrate Y.R.B. Nelundeniya on Wednesday made the order after hearing Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma appearing for the missing journalist’s wife Sandya Eknaligoda and State Counsel Chaminda Atukorale.
Mrs. Ekneligoda filed a motion seeking to issue notice on Parliamentarian Arundhika Fernando to give evidence before court on recent statements he has made in several media that he met journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda during his visit to France. State Counsel Atukorala told court he would object to the application if it was going to violate the Parliamentary privileges of Mr. Fernando.
However, Counsel Kumarapperuma told court that the Parliamentarian has issued statements to several media outlets that he has seen the missing journalist in France during one of his visits there. The counsel has also submitted a list of witnesses to be called on this issue including Daily Mirror on-line news editor, the News Director News First, the Editor Sunday Divaina, Journalist Manjula Wediwardane, Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane, and the Editor Lanka Newspaper.
Cartoonist and political activist Prageeth Eknaligoda went missing on January 24, 2010, shortly before the Presidential Election. Mrs. Ekneligoda and her two children have filed a habeas corpus case demanding the respondents that her husband be produced in court.
The Court of Appeal referred the case to the Homagama Magistrate for the investigation which are pending before the Homagama Magistrate’s Court.
The respondents in this case are Deputy Inspector General (DIG) CID Nandana Moonasinghe, DIG Jayantha Kulathilake, HQI Homagama, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General.
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