Another Lasantha murder case suspect gets promotion

Oct 25, 2016

Brig. Aruna Wanniarachchi, a suspect in the murder case of ‘The Sunday Leader’ editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, has been promoted a major general despite the serious allegations leveled against the Army’s conduct in the past. Wanniarachchi stands accused of concealing evidence in the journalist’s killing, but has been given the promotion by the Army commander.

In any institution, it is customary that the past record of a person is given consideration when granting promotions. However, officers linked to the Wickrematunge murder and the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda have been given promotions and privileges in the past too. This has become an issue of an Army’s maintaining standards.

Army chief Krishantha de Silva has given a bad precedence by giving the promotion to Wanniarachichi, who has been questioned by the CID and is yet to be cleared of the charge.

It was during the period he was the head of the Army intelligence that 17 of its officers, including Kandegedara Piyawansa, were arrested over the Wickrematunge killing. He was last questioned by the CID on October 14. Earlier, Piyawansa was given a promotion and salaries and allowances paid while he was in remand custody. After the media revealed that, the Army commander said it was a mistake.