Retired Major General Kithisiri Ekanayake has vowed to pursue every legal avenue against police officers he claims conspired to frame him on fabricated charges of murder and treasure hunting. Speaking to the Sandeshaya by Saroj YouTube channel, Ekanayake described the ordeal as a “deliberate plot” and criticised the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for failing to act against those responsible.
The Arrest That Sparked Outrage
Ekanayake was arrested by Beliatta Police along with four others following an alleged 119 emergency complaint and spent nearly a month in remand custody. Police presented two minors—a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old—as eyewitnesses. The credibility of this testimony quickly came under scrutiny when the Magistrate learned that the 17-year-old had previously appeared before the same court on a narcotics charge.
“It was a deliberate ploy, because minors cannot be punished,” Ekanayake said, adding that the police narrative collapsed under basic scrutiny.
No Evidence, No Victim
According to Ekanayake:
- There were no signs of digging at the alleged treasure-hunting site.
- No reports existed of a missing 18-year-old girl anywhere in the country at the time of his arrest.
- All suspects were ultimately acquitted.
He questioned the failure of investigators to verify the boy’s claim that a girl had been driven to the location and killed:
“Was there any blood? A body? Where was it hidden? And how could such a crime occur within just 90 minutes?”
A Presidential Statement and a Public Storm
At the time of the arrest, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake publicly acknowledged that police were investigating a senior army officer in connection with an alleged treasure-hunting ritual where a woman was believed to have been sacrificed. The statement amplified public interest and controversy surrounding the case.
Allegations Against Senior Police
Ekanayake now alleges that a Senior DIG orchestrated his unlawful arrest and says he will take further legal action to seek justice. His claims raise serious questions about:
-
- Police accountability
- Misuse of minors as witnesses
- Systemic failures in criminal investigations
Why This Matters
This case highlights broader concerns about due process and rule of law in Sri Lanka:
- Fabricated charges undermine public trust in law enforcement.
- Political and institutional pressures can distort justice.
- Human rights implications arise when individuals are detained without credible evidence.
Ekanayake’s legal battle could set a precedent for challenging abuse of power within the police force. As he prepares to take his fight to court, the case is likely to spark debate on police reforms, judicial oversight, and accountability mechanisms in Sri Lanka.
( With the inputs from News Wire)