Premachandra family fear investigations hindered

By Uditha Jayasinghe

Family members of slain Presidential Advisor and former Member of Parliament Baratha Lakshman Premachandra yesterday called on the Government to hold a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the election day killing.

The younger brother and five sisters of Premachandra held a press conference to call attention to what they called a “strong-handed” attempt by powerful people to limit the investigation into their brother’s death. They insist that it is clear that there is some powerful source trying to keep justice from being achieved.

Referring to recent news reports on the comment made by Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director General Lakshman Hulugalle that MP Duminda Silva is not a suspect in the shootout that killed four including Premachandra, the family questioned as to what authority he had to make such statements.

“I read this in the papers and when I went to meet the CID they tell me that the investigations are ongoing and that they have not ruled out any people as a suspect. There are clear contradictions to what is going on and we are disturbed by that. How can Hulugalle deny the reports of an eyewitness? How can he make these statements when there is clear evidence?” Asela Premachandra questioned.

Premachandra’s brother and sister told media that there was a clear indication that their brother would meet his end since there were various threats against his life. They released a letter that was sent to top Government ministers and President Mahinda Rajapaksa explaining the situation and requesting more security for Premachandra. But these appeals fell on deaf years. The family questions as to why the party did not take disciplinary action against the offending members that were launching thug attacks.  “Since this is an inter-party issue why were there no steps taken to stop infighting among the candidates? Party leaders could have held disciplinary investigations and other methods to stop these people. Why did it go to the point of killing?” Premachandra’s sister Sunethra Abeysinghe stated.

The family, currently domiciled in Canada, recalled that Premachandra was a man of the people and did nothing for his family. They outlined the service that was done by their late brother and appealed to the leaders to ensure that justice is served.

“We have confidence in the Judiciary and the Police of this country,” they insisted, “but we fear that there is a limitation on what they can do. Please do not brand us as traitors for simply seeking justice for our brother. We only want the law to have its course.”