Prime Minister (PM) Harini Amarasuriya assured Parliament today (7) that the Government will refile indictments in the 2008 killing of journalist Lasantha Wickramatunge .

 Amarasuriya revealed that the Government would also consider launching a fresh investigation if required. 

Her statement followed questions from opposition lawmakers on the stalled case.

“The letter that Ms. Ahimsa Wickremetunga has sent to me is also measured, given the circumstances and given what this family has had to endure for these past…I don’t know how many years…So, we’re very determined, because at the end of the day the purpose of having a judicial system, the Attorney General’s Office, all of these institutions is to deliver justice and if procedures come in the way of delivering justice, then we need to re-examine those procedures”, she stated.

While acknowledging the systemic challenges within legal institutions, she stressed that change is necessary and that victims should not be left waiting indefinitely.

“This is a highly sensitive issue, and we are fully aware of its gravity. We will do everything within our power. Additionally, we are prepared to allocate a full-day parliamentary debate to address this matter because we recognize its utmost importance,” she affirmed.

Commenting further, the PM noted: “Let us not forget that the Attorney General’s Department and related institutions, even though there are officers with good intentions, they have got used to a particular way of working, they have worked within a particular culture.

That also needs to change. That takes time, but taking time doesn’t mean that victims can wait forever for answers.”