Probes into high profile killings of journalists have been hindered by the absence of key evidentiary documents, it is learnt.  The cases, including that of editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, are stalled due to absence of key documents and the non-involvement of key initial investigators in ongoing probes due to retirement or fleeing overseas due to actual or perceived persecution, the Government said yesterday (10). 

“We are continuing the investigations; however, several of these cases have missing documents,” Cabinet Spokesperson, Chief Government Whip Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told the media yesterday (10) at the weekly Cabinet press briefing.

Dr. Jayatissa further stated that several persons involved in the investigation of the said murdered journalist had retired or had fled the country due to an actual or perceived threat. “Several of the people who were first investigating these cases are no longer able to assist in the investigations,” Dr. Jayatissa elaborated. “However, we are still continuing investigations into these matters.”

Wickrematunge was assassinated in broad daylight in January 2009 and several high profile political figures including former Presidents have at various times been variously implicated in the same.