Eknaligoda Abduction Case Rescheduled to December 5

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo High Court has postponed the hearing of the case related to the abduction and enforced disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda to December 5, following proceedings held today (30).

The case was taken up before High Court Judge Sujeewa Nishshanka, a member of the three-judge bench assigned to hear the matter. 

Judge Nishshanka noted that the remaining two judicial appointments to the bench are yet to be finalized, resulting in a temporary vacancy. 

He expressed hope that the appointments would be made soon and postponed the case until then.

Nine members of the Sri Lanka Army Intelligence Unit, including former commanding officer Shammie Kumararatne of the Girithale Army Camp, have been named as defendants in the case. All appeared before the open court today.

The Attorney General has filed charges against the accused under allegations that, on or around January 25, 2010, they conspired with unidentified individuals to abduct and unlawfully detain journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda in Girithale, Habarana, and Kottawa, with the intent of causing his death.