The Attorney General (AG) has instructed the Acting Police Chief to appoint appropriate senior officials for the investigations of five high profile cases which are underway.
These instructions had been issued in the wake of the investigation reports submitted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID)'s to the AG this week.
In a letter dated today (Aug 23), AG Dappula de Livera instructed Acting Inspector General Chandana Wickramaratne to expedite inquiries and submit complete investigation extracts into these cases.
He pointed out that the CID’s reports had failed to identify proper witnesses and suspects, while also failing to lay out the future plans and ending date of the investigations.
AG De Livera added that the CID had not clearly mentioned the grounds on which they would require his advice to proceed with the investigations over these cases.
The cases include the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickramatunga, national ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen, 17 members of an aid group, and also the abduction of journalist Keith Noyahr and eleven youths.
In his letter, AG De Livera made certain observations of the CID's reports. They are as follows :
Killing of journalist Lasantha Wickremetunge - Investigations began on February 27, 2015. The CID has admitted that they have not submitted complete investigation extracts into the cases.
Killing of 17 aid workers in Mutur - Investigations began on August 11, 2006. No suspects have been identified so far.
Killing of ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen - Investigations began on February 28, 2015.
Abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr - Investigations began on April 06, 2016. Inquiries expected to end within two months.
Abduction of 11 youths - Investigations began on March 12, 2015.
Accordingly, the AG expressed concern by stating that no progress has been made on these investigations despite being carried out for a long time.
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