The family of assassinated Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge has expressed hope that the Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led government will find the truth behind the incident and provide justice.

Speaking to the media, Lasantha Wickrematunge’s brother said there were four governments within the 16 years since the death, but none had a political motive to investigate the incident.

He said, however, the National People’s Power (NPP) government has promised to investigate not only Lasantha Wickrematunge’s death but several other high-profile cases as well.

“Initially, the case was under the TID, with major speculation that it was done by the LTTE. However, following the change in regime in 2015, our lawyer requested the case to be transferred to the CID. It was then transferred to the CID, of which Shani Abeysekera was a part.

“The probe conducted by the CID uncovered several key facts related to the death, even up to the extent of knowing the names and addresses of those who had been involved in the murder,” he said.

Lasantha Wickrematunge’s brother said under this government, with Shani Abeysekera returning to the CID, there need not be a fresh probe and it only remains for them to finish the investigations into the incident.

He added that the family and close associates of Lasantha Wickrematunge believe this government will find the truth.

His comments come on the 16th death anniversary of the late Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, commemorated today (Jan 08).

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