The army is yet to provide details requested by Court in the case related to missing journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda.
The Homagama Magistrate’s Court had recently issued orders to the Army Commander to provide all the required details, documents and assistance to the officers investigating the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda.
However, sources from the Criminal Investigations Department said that when officers visited the Giritale Army Camp as part of the investigations, they were not given the required details as ordered by the Court nor were they given an audio tape the Army claims is related to the case.
The CID has also questioned the Army as to why Eknaligoda was not arrested if such an audio tape exists and its contents are said to be what the Army claims.
The sources also said that despite repeated appeals, the Attorney General has not intervened in the matter.
When contacted, Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi insisted that the investigations are being conducted in a transparent manner and that there is no attempt to stall the probe. Eknaligoda was reported missing on January 24, 2010, two days prior to the presidential polls. He actively participated in the presidential campaign of common opposition candidate, Sarath Fonseka, while working as a freelance journalist. Members of his family believe that he has been abducted by supporters of the former government, a charge that was denied by the former regime. In 2009 Amnesty International released information on circumstances of his disappearance.
By Shalika Wimalasena / SL