No use

A letter currently in circulation on social media appears to indicate that the Attorney General has written to the CID indicating that he will not be indicting the three individuals named as suspects in respect of the January 8th, 2009, daylight roadside murder of journalist Lasantha Wickramatunga, which therefore clears the way for those three individuals being let off.

Many journalists and social media activists, on their verified social media, have commented upon the letter and verified the authenticity of it as well.

In a letter sent by the Attorney General on the 27th, the CID has further been informed to inform him about the action taken by the court in this regard within 14 days after reporting this to the Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects recommended for release include Army Staff Sergeant Prem Ananda Udalagama, Sub-Inspector Tissasiri Sugathapala and Deputy Inspector General of Police Prasanna Nanayakkara.

Since its publication, many have reacted to the article to say that it raises suspicion that state crimes committed in the past will never come to light.

However, the government has not yet made any official announcement in this regard.

Asad Maulana, who previously worked as the secretary for Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan), is reportedly preparing to return to Sri Lanka to testify to events pertaining to the Easter Sunday bombings.

Maulana, who was a key witness in the Channel 4 documentary on the Easter attacks, currently resides in political asylum in Switzerland.

The Criminal Investigation Department, meanwhile, continued probing the claims of the Channel 4 report and it is expected that Maulana’s testimony would form part of that investigation.

These utterances have now placed several well-known figures in the line of fire, including retired Major General Suresh Saleh, former Director of the State Intelligence Service, and ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka has made remarkable strides in global tourism, recording an impressive USD 3.17 billion in revenue for 2024, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). This marks a 53.2% increase from the USD 2.07 billion earned in 2023, solidifying the island’s status as a top global destination.

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Looking ahead to 2025, Sri Lanka has set ambitious goals, targeting three million tourist arrivals and aiming for USD 5 billion in tourism revenue. To achieve these milestones, the government is prioritising tourism infrastructure upgrades, promoting eco-conscious travel experiences, and encouraging community-based tourism ventures. By blending cultural authenticity with sustainability, the country aims to offer unique and transformative travel experiences.

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With its unmatched diversity, ranging from golden beaches and ancient temples to thrilling safaris and vibrant cultural festivals, Sri Lanka continues to captivate global travellers. By staying committed to sustainable tourism practices and innovative strategies, the island nation is positioning itself as a leading global travel destination for 2025 and beyond.