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Promise Kept

Investigation of Unresolved Murder Cases

“Promptly completing investigations into political killings and abductions of journalists, sportspersons and others that have not been solved for a long time and implementing the law against the criminals” [pg 114]

  • Cases remain largely unsolved, raising concerns about continuing impunity
  • The government has signaled interest in solving the murders of journalists and other activists. However, no concrete action has been taken or made known publicly. 
  • Police teams have been re-assessing evidence from cases such as Lasantha Wickrematunge and Prageeth Eknaligoda, however, no new charges have been filed.
  • Journalist Murugaiyah Thamilselvan was attacked on the A9 road in Kilinochchi town on the 26th December 2024, raising concerns as to whether the improved climate for journalists is a ground reality.  (Daily FT)
  • The Sri Lankan government has officially handed over the investigation into the disappearance of human rights activists Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The Homicide and Organized Crime Division of the CID has begun active investigations into the case.
  • Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala has stated that the CID is currently investigating four other disappearance cases in the Northern and Eastern provinces, while the Colombo Crime Division is handling six additional cases. None of these investigations have yet been concluded.CID Reopens Lalith-Kugan Disappearance Case After 14 Years
  • Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar, also known as ‘Iniya Bharathi’, the Ampara District organiser of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal and a former member of the Eastern Provincial Council, was arrested on the 6th of July 2025 , along with another individual who is an associate of his. The CID linked the suspects to the following serious crimes:
    • The murder of Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian Ariyanayagam Chandranehru and five others on 7 February 2005 in Pulliyankulam, Welikanda.
    • The killing of Johnson Jayakanthan, also known as ‘Sindhujan’, on 9 May 2007.
    • The assassination of Thirukkovil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Pillainayagam Udayakumar on 28 June 2007.
    • The abduction of Pavie Sivananthan Alagurasah in Thirukkovil on 27 July 2007.
    • The double murder of Grama Niladhari officers Nagarasa and Kanaga Anandhi in Pandiruppu, Kalmunai on 20 April 2008.
    • The abduction and murder of Pandith Thirumal Thiruvelvam in Vinayagapuram, Thirukkovil on 25 September 2008.
    • The shooting and killing of Pachchi Rasaiya Kopulan in Vinayagapuram, Thirukkovil, on 21 November 2008, during which his mother was also shot and seriously injured.
    • The arson attack on the Akkaraipattu Magistrate’s Court Complex on 21 December 2022. https://ceylontoday.lk/2025/07/07/former-ep-councillor-iniya-bharathi-arrested/ 
  • Police say investigations into the death of former Havelock Sports Club rugby captain Wasim Thajudeen are continuing. Acting Police Spokesperson Minura Senarath and Justice Minister Nalinda Jayatissa both claim that authorities are pursuing fresh leads based on recent witness statements and overseas arrests. https://lankanewsweb.net/archives/131031/after-13-years-wasim-thajudeens-murder-case-reopens-new-leads-old-suspects-lingering-doubts/ 
  • On the 15th of September 2025 the Supreme Court (SC)  granted permission to hear an appeal petition filed by the parents of 11 youth who were allegedly abducted and disappeared, requesting that the decision made by the Attorney General to remove the former Navy Commander, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda – who was named as a suspect in the related case – be declared invalid. 

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