Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara has ordered authorities to rename former Navy Commander Ravindra Wijegunaratne as the second suspect in the case involving the abduction and disappearance of 11 Tamil youths in Colombo and other areas.
The Magistrate issued this directive to the Criminal Investigation Department on April 29, stating that investigators must proceed based on the available evidence.Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara has ordered authorities to rename former Navy Commander Ravindra Wijegunaratne as the second suspect in the case involving the abduction and disappearance of 11 Tamil youths in Colombo and other areas.
Magistrate Criticizes Previous Decision
The court strongly criticized the earlier recommendation to release the suspect, despite the presence of sufficient evidence. The Magistrate stated that such a recommendation reflects a serious error in judgment.
Authorities previously named Wijegunaratne as the second suspect in the case linked to incidents between 2008 and 2009, where suspects allegedly abducted, detained, and extorted ransom from 11 Tamil youths in Colombo. However, officials later released him following advice from the Attorney General’s Department.
The Magistrate emphasized that releasing a suspect despite clear evidence undermines justice and cannot be justified.
Orders Fresh Indictment
The Magistrate clarified that the Attorney General does not hold the authority to release a suspect during an ongoing investigation. Instead, the court must examine all evidence and issue appropriate orders independently.
He further stated that judges are not bound to follow instructions from the Attorney General and must act solely to ensure justice.
Following submissions made by the victims’ counsel, Achala Seneviratne, the court accepted the request to reinstate the suspect.
The Magistrate has now ordered authorities to prepare a fresh indictment and present it before court on June 10.
