Lasantha murder: Never stop until justice is done

Lasantha's murder: Never stop until justice is done

by - 08-01-2023 | 9:47 PM

Frederica Jansz, Former Editor of The Sunday Leader, penned these thoughts on the 14th death anniversary of Lasantha Wickrematunge.

Last year, at the May 13th hearing of The People’s Tribunal at The Hague, there was compelling evidence presented by witnesses which named the highest in the land as having been complicit in the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge.

However, suspects have been released on bail, and official proceedings with regard to the case have all ground to a halt. A man who has blatantly committed the most heinous crimes against journalists may quite possibly be connected to the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge.

At some point, there has to be justice. The Sri Lankan media is dutybound to continue to hold accountable those that seek public office, those who in doing so, have plundered the coffers of a once thriving economy, and those who have brought an entire nation to its knees.

Silence has become the primary tool whereby the state seeks to control the organs of liberty. As journalists and judges have been silenced, as an entire people’s movement has been subjugated, never have the risks been higher or the stakes lower.

Our voices may sound distasteful and distorted, so much so, the Sri Lankan State continues to bomb its own citizens, but never has the time been more opportune than now to raise the call for justice. To hold accountable those who are guilty of committing the most treacherous of crimes against humanity.

It is time all Sri Lankans, collectively as a nation, walk tall and bow to no man. It is time to stand together against those who have proved themselves to be traitors and call out their names.

If there was one man, I was fortunate enough to know and work alongside who did just that - it was Lasantha. Let us not let his legacy die with him. The least we can do is name his killers, including the man who masterminded his killing. No matter how powerful that man may be or may have been, then let us say his name, over and over again, until justice is served.