It has been 16 years since Lasantha Wickrematunge, a senior journalist who engaged in journalism for the people, was murdered.
As the editor of the Sunday Leader newspaper, Lasantha Wickrematunge exposed many frauds and corruption, considering his own life as second to none.
This investigative journalist, who had the ability to access information that no one else could, revealed much information to the country that would have remained hidden forever if it had not been for him.
Because of this, his life was threatened more than once.
Finally, on 8 January 2009, at 10.25 am, a group of people who were afraid of his pen were able to take Lasantha’s life.
When Lasantha, who was on his way to work as usual, was killed by armed thugs at Attidiya Road, he had only a pen and notebook in his possession.
Lasantha, who has received numerous international awards, was honored with the IPI World Press Freedom Hero Award for his fearless work even after his assassination.
Even the governments changed due to his death while the thugs who silenced this senior journalist were on the loose.
The group that took power began investigations.
Lasantha’s body was recovered on 27 September 2016, and although several suspects were brought to justice, the process stalled thereafter.
Justice has yet to be served for him.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake promised during his election campaign that he would be committed to bringing justice to the incidents such as the murder of Lasantha, the disappearance of Ekneligoda, the assault on Keith Noyar and Poddala Jayantha, and the kidnapping and disappearance of 12 schoolchildren for ransom.