Eknaligoda Murder Trial Stalled Again: Judge Bench Vacancies Delay Justice

Colombo: The high-profile trial concerning the abduction and murder of veteran journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda has been postponed once more, with the proceedings now pushed back until December 5th. The delay highlights significant hurdles facing the Sri Lankan judicial system in handling sensitive cases.

The order was issued today by Colombo Special Three-Judge Bench Judge Sujeewa Nissanka. The case is filed against nine Army intelligence officers, including Colonel Shammi Arjun Kumararatne, the former commanding officer of the Girithale Army Camp, on 17 counts related to Eknaligoda's enforced disappearance.

Vacancy Crisis on the Bench

The postponement follows submissions by Deputy Solicitor General Wasantha Perera, who represented the Attorney General. He informed the court that the Attorney General's Department had requested the appointment of two High Court Judges to fill the existing vacancies on the three-judge bench, which is required to hear the trial. However, those appointments have yet to be made, effectively stalling the proceedings.

Eknaligoda disappeared between January 24 and 27, 2010, after he was allegedly abducted in Girithale, Koswatta, and Battaramulla. The indictments were handed over to the nine defendants—comprising Army intelligence officers and members—in November 2019, but the trial has since faced repeated interruptions.

Wife's Plea for Expedited Justice

The repeated delays have taken a heavy toll on the victim's family. Speaking to the media after the adjournment, Sandya Eknaligoda, the journalist's wife, voiced her frustration.

"I have been engaged in a major struggle for sixteen years to achieve justice for my husband's murder," she stated emotionally. "Because of issues like the frequent judge bench vacancies, the days the case has been postponed far outnumber the days the trial was actually held."

The case carries intense local and international significance. Ms. Eknaligoda stressed that the family's "only hope" is to see the trial conclude swiftly and for the perpetrators to receive appropriate punishment. She made a direct appeal to the new Chief Justice:

"I appeal to the new Chief Justice to complete the judge bench immediately to fulfill this one hope for my children and me."

The next hearing has been scheduled for December 5th, contingent on the appointments being made. (NewsCenter)