By Harischandra Gunaratna

Mervyn Silva MP

Health and Indigenous Minister Rajitha Senaratne yesterday alleged that former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as well as former Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva had had a hand in the killing of The Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickramatunge.

Senaratne said all what Mervyn Silva had told the CID in his complaint was true, but Silva himself was a party to the killing.

The former UPFA heavyweight said the new alliance elected to power would launch an investigation into Lasantha Wickramatunge killing afresh and all those responsible would be brought to book.

Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

Addressing a news conference at the Government Information Department, the Minister said, “We already have information on others involved in the Wickramatuinga killing they, too, would be hauled up before a court and justice would be meted out.”

Wickramatunge was killed on Jan. 8, 2009 by a four-member gang clad in camouflage uniforms riding motorcycles near the Malagala Model School, Atttidiya, Mt. Lavinia.

Wickramatunge alighted from the car, when his path was blocked, and confronted some members of the motorcycle gang and one of them wearing a steel glove with spikes punched his head causing fatal injuries.

He succumbed to the injuries at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila a few hours later.

Senaratne said, “Irrespective of their position all politicians including those serving in this government found guilty on corruption charges or acts of violence will be severely dealt with.”

Responding to a query that there were corruption charges against the incumbent Bribery Commissioner Jagath Balapatabendi and how one could expect justice from such a person, Senaratne said that the Bribery Commissioner could not be changed at will and there was a long procedure. The present government would put in place what is required and follow the legal and constitutional procedures to appoint a new commissioner and give more teeth to the Commission to expedite matters, he said.

Minister Senaratne alleged that the Secretary to Economic Development Ministry had released Rs. 1,760 million from the Ministry for the UPFA election campaign and the matter was being investigated.

Courtesy: The Island