When journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda’s case was taken for inquiry yesterday, Senior State Counsel Dileepa Peiris appearing on behalf of the Attorney-General told Homagama Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake that CID investigations have revealed that Sergeant Udalagama guided the team involved in the abduction of journalist Ekneligoda. Telephone conversations closely examine by Police have revealed this.
SSC Peiris told Court that on two occasions, the missing journalist Ekneligoda was subjected to abduction; once in August 2009 and once in January 2010.
Sergeant Premananda Udalagama, formerly attached to the Army Intelligence Unit, in remand for the murder of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge was also allegedly involved in guiding the team involved in the abduction of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, the Attorney-General informed Court yesterday.
Peiris told Court further that the prosecution would take necessary steps to name Udalagama as a suspect regarding this case as well.
Udalagama is also named as a suspect in connection with the attack on former Rivira newspaper Editor Upali Tennakoon in 2009.
Meanwhile, the Homagama Magistrate yesterday called for a report from the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) regarding the health condition of eight suspects remanded in connection with the abduction of journalist Ekneligoda.
The Magistrate made this order consequent to a request made by SSC Peiris that the eight have been receiving continuous treatment at the Prisons Hospital over a period of one year, and moved for a report from JMO as to why they are receiving treatments at the Prison Hospital.
The eight suspects were ordered to be further remanded till September 20 by the Magistrate.
