"Sunday Leader" Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga shot and hacked to death by Motor Cyclists in civils
Lasantha Wickrematunga, the courageous and Independent editor of the English weekly “The Sunday Leader” was shot and hacked to death by gunmen in civilian garb riding motor cycles.
The shocking incident occurred near the Bakery junction at the land side end of Temple road in Attidiya.
Fifty year old Wickrematunga was first taken to Kalubowila general hospital where emergency surgery was done.
Thereafter he was to be taken to the National Hospital where additional surgery was required.
"The fearless editor was noted for his courage and forthrightness in speaking truth to power"
Since his situation was pronounced as extremely critical he was not moved to the national hospital. Instead doctors at Kalubowila continued to attend to him. Lasantha had lost a lot of blood. His head injuries were serious.
[Sunday Leader chief editor Lasantha Wickrematunga was shot and hacked to death on Jan 8th morning at the Bakery Junction, Attidiya]
After persistent efforts for more than four hours to save him, finally Lasantha succumbed to his injuries.
Lasantha was on his way to work in the morning when the incident took place at about 9. 15 am.
As was his usual routine Wickrematunga was driving his own car to work alone.
He had observed men on two motor cycles trailing him in a suspicious manner. Lasantha had then telephoned some friends on his cellular and told them of the suspicious motor cyclists following his vehicle.
Initial reports said there were two persons on each motor cycle
When he neared Bakery junction which was very close to his office, the motor cyclists had got ahead of his vehicle and cut across thus blocking him.
Even as Lasantha was forced to brake, one assassin jumped down and ran to the car and shot from the front shattering the windscreen with bullets hitting Lasantha’s chest
Another person got down from the pillion and came up to him by the side and opened the door and began hacking Lasantha with a sabre. He then took out a gun and began firing at point blank range at his ear and head.
The unarmed Wickrematunga was shot in cold blood by cowardly assassins in the chest, ear and head,
He also received many cuts to his body.
The assassins wearing civils then got on to their vehicles and sped away.
All this happened in broad daylight on a busy road with scores of people including Policemen watching.
Sonali Samarasighe, left, wife of newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunga, arrives at the hospital where her husband was treated in Kalubowila (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) via Yahoo! News
Lasantha bleeding profusely was rushed to Kalubowila hospital and from there he was to be taken to the Borella national hospital.
But he was not taken there because he could not be moved because of his condition
Large crowds gathered at the Hospital premises.
Finally the end came.
He never gained consciousness.
The fearless editor was noted for his courage and forthrightness in speaking truth to power.
The newspaper was boldly critical of the Government and defence apparatus and also published regular exposures of the corruption, nepotism, racism and misgovernace of the Rajapakse regime
The newspaper was also critical of the Government’s warmongering and advocated a negotiated settlement to the ethnic crisis.
These viewpoints were thorns in the flesh of the government.
There were many incidents of friction with the government including an incident where President Rajapakse threatened Wickrematunga in abusive language on the telephone
On one occasion the government ordered his arrest but could not go ahead due to public protest
The Sunday Leader also criticised Army Commander Sarath Fonseka for his blatantly racist comments.
Currently a legal case is pending in courts against Wickrematunga as defence secretary Gota Rajapakse had filed action for an article alleging corruption in purchase of aircraft
Despite all the threats and danger to his life Lasantha Wickrematunga continued to write and edit fearlessly living up to the motto of his newspaper “Unafraid and un bowed”
He fought to the last never bowing or compromising with the racist Rajapakse regime
We his friends and colleagues salute him.
Lasantha co - founded “The Sunday Leader” in 1994
The shocking and brutal assassination t resulted in severe condemnation of the Government as it was crystal clear as to who was responsible
There seemed to be little doubt in the minds of most people that the “terror Squad” attached to the Intelligence unit of an armed force was responsible
The cowardly elements responsible for several attacks on media personnel and institutions was held responsible his death
Hundreds of people gathering at the Hospital were praying for Lasantha Wickrematunga as he was fighting his last battle.
We at “Transcurrents. Com” join those souls in praying for Lasantha Wickrematunga
We also extend our condolences and sympathies to his family members.
The fourth estate has lost one of her most brave sons.
The media world and Sri Lanka have suffered an irredeemable loss.
(Transcurrents News)
115 Comments
For a government that is inflicting a heavy defeat upon the most ruthless terrorist organisation, guarding a media institution and media personnel is such a hard job!
Why do all these politicians have to make a mess of one thing when sorting out another mess. I personally did not agree with everything the Sunday Leader published, but we must have the freedom of speach! Please do not turn Sri Lanka to another Zimbabwe or Pakistan! We are all here for a short while, to live peacefully!
All those who commit these sins will pay, this life time or another!
we can live without
Everyone in Srilanka knows who did this and why? This is sad to see this country sink so low to attack on media and media persons. Democrazy in Srilankan style...
No!
.A real courageous Srilankan journalist.
He was against all sort of terrorism and corruption.
My condolence and sympathy to his family and friends.
What was done to the tamils is now being done to you. By suppressing the rights of one group you end up with yours being suppressed as well. As Eisenhower said, power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Sinhalese people wake up.
People who try to be smart will learn a valuable lesson from this incident.
I don't think Gota or Fonseka wanted to kill him as many beleive. If Gota wanted to kill Lasantha then he would not have bothered going to court to take a court order to Ban Lasanatha criticizing him wrongly. I think this is a message to CJ sarath Silva rather.
Whoever committed this crime only succeeded doing one thing. They have made a martyr out of a cadaver. Only a small minority of people read garbage like the Sunday Leader and hailed the gutter press. People like Lasantha should be eliminated not physically but by educating the public and boycotting trash like the Sunday Leader.
I condemn this murder in unequivocal terms.
It is a challenging time for brave people facing paramilitaries of the govt. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Who honestly cares that much about a man who spends his time slandering our Defence Secretary? No tears from me.
emminent fight with the pen, idiots fight with swrods and guns.
Those planned, couped, organised, gave ideas, and DID this crime will not get a natural death.
He can now go to hell and have a supper with all the donkeys who betrayed Sri Lanka.
It is very sad news. WHat is sadder still is the comments saying that this is seperate from what is going on in the north.
It is part and parcel of the progressive militarization and communalization of Sinhala society.
I feel sorry for the Sinhalese more than the Tamils. The Tamils are simply being killed. What is happening to the Sinhalese is much worse. Hitler will be proud of the Sinhalese (these black Aryans!) soon if not already.
I hope all the civilised people will join me in condemning the assassination of Lasantha. It is the second incident after Mahinda Rajapakse took over the media ministry. There is no doubt about who is behind these incidents and Sonali is right (http://www.themorningleader.lk/20090107/politics.html) that the country is heading to Zimbabwe style dictatorship.
It is also western governments to blame for this tragedy. Their unconditional support to an oppressive government has caused several assassinations of unarmed civilians.
http://www.themorningleader.lk/20090107/politics.html
Government waited for the right movement, They can take revenge from anyone and wash their hands and say “ We will not do any bad things in the glorious time like this, when we are winning the war. Someone else is doing this to discredit the government”. One the surface it sounds to be true, if someone else did it, it shows the inability of the government to protect the people
The murder of Lasantha by the Rajapaksas in this brutal manner makes it clear that all those who are in any way part of this government are unspeakably evil. That includes some of the people in Geneva whose writings are carried in this forum. This evil has to be confronted and stopped by all sane people.
There will never be another courageous man like Lasantha. The independent SL media has lost its live-wire. It is time for the international community and governments to seriously take note of this dangerous trend and impose sanctions against the leaders who tolerate such impunity. Not a single journalist's murderers have been found guilty to date in Sri Lanka.
Reply for freedom of speech in SriLankan Style
good work who ever did it. lasantha was a UNP suppoter and sinhala koti ( tiger suppoter°
breaking news,
WAIT A SECOND,OUR PRESIDENT(THE BEST ACTOR IN THE WORLD)WILL APPOINT A COMISSION
TO LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER.
THE BUFOONS OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE SADDEND BY THIS INCIDENT.
PAWW ANEY,
ANOTHER HELPLESS modayek from sri lanka.
There is no difference between government and the LTTE. Both do not tolerate opposing views.
Whoever against givernment's view or LTTE's idoology are traitors. This is sort of draconian style dictatortship. I believe this is the same reason why these organizations collapase within.
In a civilaized society we can not approve this kind of killings.
I never approve or like what Sunday Leader publised and thought it was so biased and it should not be a reason to get killed. One should condemn this killing.
The death of Lasantha Wickrematunga signals the continuous erosion of democracy. The guarantee of civil liberties have become a question mark in Sri Lanka. He was a courageous gentleman to express his opinion and a fine person to move with.
A.Rajasingam
This is to be condemned. To all those mindless idiots who where yapping on with happiness at the Sirasa studios being burnt down, this is what you can expect, if an elected government think they can get away with an arrogance of power.
I may not have agreed with the politics of either sirasa or Lasantha, but each and everyone should have the right to express their opinions in a democratic society - or we will be not any betterthan Velupillai's Eelam.
THANK GOD
LTTE MAN IS DEAD
My condolence and, sympathy to Lasantha's family.
Lasantha,
We salut you
Sri Lanka lost a real courageous investigative journalist.
It is an open secret who behind it
I am not agree with the way he used the media against his own country and people at all and believe anything what he try to inplant within our mind. But I should say he is a brave and couragous son of Sri Lanka. he should have the right of expression though he is not correct. Killing a person can not be accepted at all. The possibility of involvement of LTTE can not be totally discarded.
I convey my condolences and sympathy to his family and wish attaining the final nibbana.
Sri Lanka lost a Courageous and Fearless Journalist.
The world knows the conspirators. This is Democracy Rajapakse style.
His Brutal killing is a great loss to Journalism and to Sri Lanka.
My Deepest condolence and sympathy to his family, friends and co-workers.
May he rest in Peace
well done, mahin hang, wake up sri lankan, we have to save our country
Lasantha, you were the one of the courageous journalist in Sri Lanka. MR’s group wants to shut the mouths of any one who talk against his government. This is utter thuggery and State Terrorism. It reminds me of Sadam’s rule in Iraq. Every one born in this world has to face death. MR and group please remember this. You all have to pay for the Karma!
We the readers of Sunday leader salute the brave Lasantha
Lasantha was a good man but the murder is barbarous. The original Sinhala culture. The Tamils faced it. Sinhalese will also get it with more venom.
Me believe any country when there is a internal conflict, there are who wants to sabotage the good name of the government in power, in order to fulfill other factors,remeber Dutu-Gamunu ,also had a oppossition.
Sinhala terrorist did another terrorist attack.
my deepest condolonce to his family.
DUTHU GAMNU YOU DONE A GOOD JOB MIKE
My heart felt sympathies for Mr' Lasantha Wickramatunga's family.
Lasantha, we can't forget you and the services you have done. We miss a graet personality and a role model.
May he rests in peace.
Rajapaksas showing their true colours.
Another Sri Lankan Modaya
This is the media policy of the new media minister being implemented for all the world to see. It demonstrates beyond doubt that we no longer have a legitimate government in power and that the Sri Lankan State has been taken over by a criminal cartel most members of which are plainly visible. How do we deal with a criminal government that controls the state, with its entire administrative, law and order and military apparatus? The pathological nature of the Mahinda Chinthana and the Jathika Chinthana that it arises from is now evident for all to see. Does the world want to see another 'terrorist' movement arise to fight this sick beastiality? Or is there going to be concerted, democratic action, including criminal persecution and punishment of this coterie that has seized power posing as Sinhala Patriots as well as their sick supporters, some of whom I see have posted their venom on this weblog as well?.
What we are dealing with here is far worse than anything the Sri Lankan Tamil Community has been subjected to because the criminals we are forced to deal with cover their actions with the democratic process. What we are dealing with here is the ultimate in cynicism, the ultimate in evil and what we are dealing with here cannot merely be politically marginalized but has to be rooted out and destroyed.
Mahinda Rajapakshe and his family think as this country is owned by them. I appreciate this government for the on going war. But this kind of thug activities and all corruptions are not accepted. We know how their family has owned things in California, Georgia and Texas.
We will see whats going on. History have lots of lessons. Like what happned to Premadasa. That is natural. Every one has to go to the same destiny.
If Ranil and UNP have any sort of skelton commit suicide yourselves.
Please accept our sincere condolence.
I do not want to make judgements as to who did this and why, because it would be an unwarranted exercise as far as the readers are concerned. But one aspect of the recent happenings is worthy of mention. The MTV / Lasantha attacks show every one that these two have managed to touch very very sensisitive nerves of a sector that is capable of anything and have thus achieved their goals thus far, albeit partially!
I have always admired the courage of Lasantha, notwithstanding some of his imaginative reporting. Then again, investigative jouranalim requires some imagination.
Whoever behind these acts are doing a great disservice to their own cause and effect. That is for sure.
My condolences are for the family of Lasantha, his readers, friends, the journalists behind him and lastly who did this to him!
this shooting bears all the hallmarks of ltte pistol gang's work.ltte want to stop army onslaught at any cost.government'opponents killing can be shown to world that srilanka has anarchi and intention of this cold blooded murder to bring down international peace keeping force to save ltte.government should give more security to mangala samaraweera,jayalath jayawardana,vickramabahu, even ranil wickramasingha who is sympathetic to ltte as they would be ltte's next targets.i hope transcurrents would post this.
This is the reality of Sri Lanka's so called media freedom!!!!
Who did this? Guess who?
we just can't say this is rajapaksha done this or another. so wait and see they will be funished
Some terrorists carry guns. Some carry pens. The generally accepted norm is to kill only the ones carrying guns. Those are anyway miserable humanoids that could not gather enough money or influence to jump over to the West and make a comfortable living and to make an engaging hobby out of Tamil nationalism. Who cares about them! However it is an accepted norm, again, not to kill the gentlemen who create the ideological background for the projects that eventually bring destruction to the socially weak, militarily active fighters. So under this urban ethic, no TNA MP should be killed, no treacherous TV station should be bombed. All 'free for money' journalists should be protected. Human rights of these people are very important, and we are not sure if the earth would continue to spin once these divine souls are abused.
Well this Leader may not directly fall in the category described above. This Leader's leader and his political party are what caused maximum destruction to the Tamils and our entire motherland. And those butchers are adorned by the Tamil elite and scholars to the extent that they are considered a vital front in the silent war to stop the noisy war against the LTTE. The Tamils at grass roots level too go in long lines and vote for the Leader's leaders forgetting all the atrocities unleashed on them since 77. That is in the 'commanded' democracy of the LTTE.
It doesn't matter who kill these men with pens and destroy stations with visions, it is definitely wrong. Their ideology and its elegant dissemination are vital for democracy.
As for the villagers hacked to death by the LTTE and the office workers end up in heaven after a bus journey, or the teenagers dragged into the LTTE fighting squads and sacrificed at the front defence line - do they have the charisma or a dogma to be of any value? Isn't that why the Leader's leaders allowed both importation and smuggling of the devices that could be lethal for the heathens without an elaborate world outlook? Isn't that why the Leader's leader allowed Tamil uprisings everywhere to popularise the separatist fight and to help LTTE's recruitment drive?
Lucky are the boys of the North who are handed down an ideology manufactured and marketed worldwide by a wide faculty of academics, journalists, activists, theorists, and theologians. Isn't it a wonderful opportunity to prove their theories? Isn't it wonderful to generate material for the next paper of an academic or the news article of a 'free' journalist? I mean, don't they create a whole new sphere of economic activity? Don't they bring in hard currency from God's own church to strengthen the national economy through NGO activities? How else can a death be so productive!
Isn't it nice to be a stroke on statics to prove that somebody is right? Isn't is environmentally friendly to be anonymous in the information age and to be counted as a part of a single number that 'died'?
It is not 'green' to kill the urban super stars. Their deaths fill so many pages and the video coverage runs into long, long rolls. Please do not destroy my earth. Never kill a man with an ideology. If you really cannot hold your devil inside, there are Sinhala villagers living close to Vanni, Tamil boys living in Vanni, and office workers travelling in buses, everywhere.
we just can't say this is rajapaksha done this or another. so wait and see they will be punished
who is next?
(only Rajapaksha brothers know)
My Condolence and deepest Sympathy to his family.
He was a great Editor and Journalist.
Dear Lord,May his Soul Rest in Peace.
deepest sempaty. the persson who kill lasantha had kill himself. and he kill domacreti too.we are not in pakistan
iran or arabien countrys. don't forget we are in civilised sri lanka. I asked buddha don't let kill pouple
like this who need sri lankan. i love sri lanka
deepest sempaty. the persson who kill lasantha had kill himself. and he kill domacreti too.we are not in pakistan
iran or arabien countrys. don't forget we are in civilised sri lanka. I asked buddha don't let kill pouple
like this who need sri lankan. i love sri lanka and i love all sri lankan.
Our brave brothers are sacrificing their lives in the north not to replace Praba's terror with Rajapakse's terror!
Our opposition miserably fails to protect its resources.
May he attain Nibbana!
This is confirmation of State Terrorism in sri lanka. The dictatership of the Rajapakse Junta has eliminated one more courageous journalist. In 1999, Rohana Kumara, another outspoken editor of Satana was killed similarly. The Junta is now desperate to stay in power at all costs. When Keith Noyahr was assaulted, Joseph Michael Perera MP said in parliament that the Army Commander has his own "hit squad" - this was not refuted by anyone. He said that he got his information from the military. Lasantha's Sunday Leader wrote against the racist remarks of the Army Commander.Now lanka is a land where one has to keep silent or be eliminated.As usual the investigation will lead nowhere.
This is confirmation of State Terrorism in sri lanka. The dictatership of the Rajapakse Junta has eliminated one more courageous journalist. In 1999, Rohana Kumara, another outspoken editor of Satana was killed similarly. The Junta is now desperate to stay in power at all costs. When Keith Noyahr was assaulted, Joseph Michael Perera MP said in parliament that the Army Commander has his own "hit squad" - this was not refuted by anyone. He said that he got his information from the military. Lasantha's Sunday Leader wrote against the racist remarks of the Army Commander.Now lanka is a land where one has to keep silent or be eliminated.As usual the investigation will lead nowhere.
It is a shame that we have to loose Lasantha like this. But to those people who have been following the trend in Srilanka after Rajapakse and brothers came to power this should not be a surprise. Rajapakse and Brothers from the inception had the tendency to become a Mafia cum dictatorial regime. When this government kidnapped and killed Tamil civilians in Colombo and then started killing Tamil MP’s and journalist most of the Singhala community including the opposition did not come out against it. Only Lasantha wrote an editorial against the killing of Tamils and warned that there will be a time that Sinahalese will be killed and there won’t be anyone to protest it. It has happened now. By reading some of the post, I can see how the Singhalese have become a bigoted community, only god can save them. In the mean time I can’t feel sorry for the Tamils living in SriLanka. Only an independent separate state can save them from this racist Singhalese and their regime.
I feel the attacks on sirasa and lasantha were carried out by the LTTE pistal gang... the reason is that its common knowledge that both sirasa and lasantha didn't have good relations with Govt. infact some ministers in the Govt were openly critical of them. I think the LTTE carried out the attacks knowing that their will be strong protests coming from the media, the public and the international community directly at the Govt. I dont think the Govt currently enjoying a lot of support from the public due to the success of the ongoing military operations to save the tamil people from the clutches of the LTTE will be stupid enough to carry such closely spaced attacks.
First of all my Uncle was a good man, and has three children now without a father, for anyone to say this was good, is just evil. My uncle believed in the truth and I cannot believe some of the post here. He has family in Canada and his parents that are totally crushed by this. My Uncle I will miss forever.
It is hightime for all good Sri Lankans to gather in front of the President's House and demand his resignation!!! I wish the people act in a way that shall make the President not to feel safe hereafter even to go his hometown in Matara.
I loved reading the Sunday Leader. It takes a lot of courage to write against regimes like the one in SL. He wrote about what believed was right. If this can happen to a Singhalese what is the plight of others who will want to express their views. I cannot believe the people in this form glorifying his killing. We have our own animals living in the West and laughing at his death. Vow, what a society we are.
My deepest sympathy for the tragedy for Lasantha's Family. He does not deserve this. However I am not so sure who killed him. Everyone as expected jumped at Gota and Mahinda. They are not whiter than white however -knowing politics in Sri Lanka, I doubt that is the case. Gota could have done this much earlier - if he is the one. There were ample opportunities and cases. Army just went over Kilinochchi and GOSL waiting for an Provincial election. There is no Logic for them to Kill him now? That's what stuck me. I am not trying to whitewash them by any means. unfortunately the way LTTE, RANIL and GOSL behaves bit too early to point the finger right now at anybody.
Rajapakse and the gan should responsible for this....He wants to hide all the war and other info.......f....g Mahinda
As every city falls, Rajapaksa is going to kill one of his enemies because nobody notice in the jubiliation. Sadly, When Mulaitheevu falls, it could be Mangala or Sarath Silva’s time to go to heaven. Please go abroad when it falls. But, Rajapaksa is digging his own grave in the long run, like Pramadasa did. That is when Praba is going to unleash his much waited Unleashing Waves “IV”
This is one of acts of LTTE propaganda.
setting fire MTV and killing Lasantha Wicramatunge are all, acts of LTTE . LTTE wants governments to be disgrased in every possible ways .
In fact , the government does not need to destroy the anti-governments moments at this very moment because It's obvious that If they do that It's utter useless act.(what are they gonna achive by killing anti-governments entities now ? nothing but the shit)
Moreover ,as some tamils claims this goverment is racist , then why they kill sinhalese rather than killing tamils like Manoganasen and all MPs of TNA.
I suppose the international community will continue to issue statements and continue to fund the Sri Lankan terrorist regime, even after the cruel murder of the champion of people that was Lasantha Wickrematunga. That is why things got so bad so far, and will continue get worse, whilst the international community continue to fund Sri Lankan state terror. Here was an extremely courageous journalist with progressive mindset, decades, if not even a century ahead of most of his peers, who relentlessly rendered yeoman service to his country, even though he knew his life was in danger.
Those Sinhalese who blame the Tamils for letting Mahinda Rajapaksa be elected president should now do honest soul-searching. This is essentially a Sinhala problem. This is part of the destruction that is continuing amongst Sinhalese. This is also why a solution cannot be reached for the Tamil issue with Sinhala governments, because of its continuing destructive nature. Next in line would obviously be Wickremasinghe's life. There is also the possibility that Mangala Samaraweera would be targetted, this year, next year, or the year after.
With redoubtable journationalist as Lasantha gone, the semblance of 'democracy' that was present in Sri Lanka has gone into a tailspin. Democracy is unlikely to return to Sri Lanka for decades, if not best part of a century, under the present circumstances, unless the international community to step up support for progressive forces in the island, who are rapidly disappearing. The first thing to do is to stop the killing of progressive minded people who are opposed to the regime in the island. Are the international community willing to move against this murderous regime having supported and strengthened its murderous activities so far is only the international community can answer.
"Unafraid and Unbowed" indeed. A true 'leader' amongst minions! His death is an inestimable loss to the island, and peace lovers the world over. Our heartfelt condolences go to his surviving family.
I condemn the killing. Lasantha was brave but was he Unbound? I dont think so. This also can be a work of a third party whos interst is to discredit the giventment at this juncture.
Oh my god, did this really happen! The one man who could have challenged the entire Rajapaksa clan has been taken away. Lasantha is an old Ben and was well educated. His investigative journalism talents far supercedes that of any other Sri Lankan journalist of our times. His loss if unbearable and a great loss not only to democracy, but to all peace loving Sri Lankans round the world. But what happens next.
1. SL Govt will appoint a commission to investigate the murder (they already have this info)
2. SL Govt will appoint a family member to head the Commission
3. The assassins will be killed by the SL Govt, so that they cannot talk
4. In 6-months the Commission will be dissolved
5. But history will repeat itself - when you live by the sword, you die by the sword
This is a country without law and order. Govt. is responsible even if they did not it, if govt. say this is under their control. Govt have no control over its police, and maintaining law and order. Sri Lanka you are failing to support your country men.
It is a huge shame for the country. maybe we should first try to get rid of the terrorist within our own communities who commit such terrible crimes. my condolences and deepest sympathy to his family
This is definitely the work of LTTE. It has its hallmark. Who else could meticulously plan such a heinous crime and execute it with such precision? Who else could kill its own people, don’t forget Lasantha is a Sinhala Tiger. Do you think our President, Gotha or Sarath has a hand in this? You must be really crazy, they are winning the war and everything...do you think they will dirty their very clean hands. Wait and see the President Commission, the Sri Lankan police and the intelligence unit will find LTTE as culprit; LTTE is losing so they are showing their wrath by killing this innocent Sinhalese Tiger.
Everyone here hastily blames the MR & co. - but I beg to differ. I think this is an LTTE tactical job, to tarnish the image of the MR brothers. It is easy to suspect MR & co. even if someone else did this, because MR & co. were the people at loggerheads with him. If they wanted to bump him off as most in this forum say, they could have done it long ago without ever going to court. This really needs some time and investigation before coming to emotional conclusions.
I live in civilized part in the world.This is not fighting war. This is cold blooded murder by the Govt. All must get together shed party politics to oust this ruthless ruler.All must get to street to uproot the regime.Stop work ! Get to streets.!!!!!!. Saddam was a better ruler. Govt is killing our own people.Every one will posthiumasly honor him. But no one protected him. He was a brave sone of the soil. Truth will not prevail in Sri Lanka, only the death for speaking the truth.
Ishan
Are you afraid of the fall out from this?
Lasantha is going to turn out the 'great soul' who saved this country...wait and see.
INNOCENTO,
This is what LTTE says too, they never killed Rajiv nor Neelan or Kadirgamar.
Are you following their path?
He made more enemies than the people who bought his newspapers.
The people who point finger to the Govt.
As a person who lost his family members to the atrocities of LTTE I wondered why media like SIRASA took the side of LTTE. Just because of politics they are against the war. Even at peace times LTTE killed many innocent civilians and our heroic forces are battling with them without thinking of their lives.
All these soldiers have families too. But what SIRASA and people like Lasantha did? Did they ever encourage our forces eradicating terrorism? No,Never! SIRASA is like LTTE trumphat! Thanks to our heroes we can go out and continue our daily lives. Police guards everywhere are targets of terrorists like soldiers. But Sirasa did not appreciate heroic forces who try to eliminate terrorism.
Anyway if Govt. wanted to eliminate Lasantha or silence the voice of SIRASA they would have done it before the start of the war. So the Govt has nothing to do with these crimes.
This is common sense. SIRASA is after insuarence money and people who wanted Govt to be in a difficult situation killed Lasantha and that is it. Dont be fools folks!
This posting on Lasantha's ghastly assassination has invited lots of comments. I guess many do not even know him but respect him for his youth, courage, determination and service to the readers' through his Sunday Leader.
On all accounts he does not deserve to be killed. This is a cowardly way of getting even and against all doctrines and concepts of Buddhism and all other religions.
If these goons kill all the good talented people, they reckon it will appease them to live lavishly on taxpayer's money with kickbacks, commissions, etc. Little do they know that "what goes around, comes around". Time will tell. Sooner the better.
As an expatriate living in a democratic country, I am shocked that a talented and renowned journalist of the stature of Lasantha has to meet his death in this manner, while other 'so called' journalists who suck up to the present government are sent overseas on diplomatic assignments. One would ask, "Is this fair"? Bu then again, what is fair in this world today.
At this point in time, my only request to you is not to permit any comments about Lasantha's family get into the 'blog' as it would be a grave injustice done to the family who obviously are in deep shock and grieving. This should not be a Q & A forum, but a platform to pay our respects in writing to a man who literally made journalistic history in Sri Lanka. Let us be civil, even though this word is not known in Sri Lanka now.
In conclusion, my sympathy and deepest condolences to his wife Sonali and also to his former wife Raine and the 3 children. We have lost a good man, and we are left with only the memories.
Lasantha was honest, forthright, talented and could not be bought! He paid the price as a result. May all the Benedictines rise to the occasion. I urge all of you to assemble next Saturday in front of your High Commission in whatever country you live in. Show the international community what Sri Lanka has become, when a bunch of cronies are elected to run the country.It is supposed to be a Buddhist country! Come on, tell it to the marines!
I am lost for words..My heartfelt condolences to the wickramatunga family. Lasantha wrote passionately about what he believed in - despite the consequences he knew he would suffer. This in my opinion is true courage.
Of course we all know who did this.
I sympathise with the idiots who have made ridiculous comments.
We will never have another journalist of his calibre.
Rajapakse's way of silencing critics. MR is responsible for media and defence, Everyone knows who is behind this barbaric murder. MR took over media and within first ten days....second incident. When a thug is in power what do you expect to happen?
I can't believe some people thinks LTTE is behind these attacks. This incident happened in broad daylight and in front of lot of people including policemen. What were they doing? Are you people dump heads or trying to divert the situation.
My deepest condolence to Lasantha's family and friends.
Most of the Tamil, including myself, strongly beleive the Ealam is the only solution after all the majority treated us. This goes from worse to worst every day. But, should the politicians and the people in the south have the same way of this my favourite editor, this question wouldn't have arose.
I beleive, after a brilliant journalist Sivaram, this is the an other major blow to the media in Srilanka. These MR & co are more than ethnic cleansing.
May our brave and tallented editor rest in peice. My deapest sympathy to his family.
Ishan, you are putting the blame in LTTE I accept your concept if you can tell me what happened to your security personnel who are guarding the city of Colombo day and night with check points every hundred yards. How can LTTE fully armed and go and do this ruthless crime in the day light. You argument is rubbish and not have any sense.
I hope Mr Rajapaksa you nor forget what happen to late president Pramadasa.
Do not forget there is a GOd who watching you.
I live in England and the only 'Colomo-paper' I buy is Sunday Leader, and that is just to read the editorial, written by Lasantha Wickramatunka. Now I will save £1.20 on Mondays. This is only because I read an editorial written by him in the year 1987 under the caption," How we treated Tamils and what else we can expect".
In that paragraph he enumerated the anti Tamil pogroms, torn agreements and all the atrocities committed by successive governments. He dared to do that, and for that I salute him. We Tamils will definitely miss him.
Bala.
Lasantha is one of the most talented and powerful journalists I have ever come across. My heart goes out to him and his family.
Tamils are now regretting for creating Praba-the-monster and I have no doubt the sinhalese too will soon regret for creating Mahinda-the-monster.
WORLD REMAINED SPEACHLES FOR A MOMENT HEARING THE NEWS OF THE BRUTAL KILLING OF LASANTHA WICKREMASINGHE BY RAJAPAKSE JUNTA.
Lasantha was Honest, Forthright, Talented Fearless and could not be bought! He paid the price as a result. He was an old Benedictine. He brought the truth to the Sri Lanka and to the dispora of the world.
THE COWERDLY ACT OF THE RAJAPAKSE & SARATH FONSEKA.
WILL COME TO LIGHT ONE DAY.
RAJAPAKSE'S SHOUTED AT THE LTTE OF KILLING RAJIV AND NOW THEY KILLED A GREAT SON OF THE SOIL.
My Sympathy and Deepest Condolences to his wife Sonali and the 3 children. We have lost a good man, and we are left with only the memories.
We pray for your family.Please accept our sincere condolence. It is Very sad.
He was a great Editor and Journalist.
If this can happen to a Sinhalese what is the plight of others who will want to express their views.
Who blessed this country?
How are these Armed Gangsters allowed to move about in vechiles without being checked at many check pints set up by forces In this cold blooded murder police men were said to have been about the place but did not even attempt to stop the motor cyclists riding with Rifles but ordinery public are
checked en rout going to work by car and bus.
It is sad to read so many racist comments here. I am a SriLankan muslim where all my friends happen to be from all religions and race. SriLanka is not a racist country and it can be a model for multicultural society. I think Sri Lanka will be a better place if not for the politicians who use race for their own gain since the post independence. With such high literacy rate in Sri Lanka I wonder why people are so ignorant and short sighted.
The culprits of this assassination is no one but Rajapakse family. They are such hypocrites. If we allow this to continue Sri Lanka will very soon be under a total dictator ship. War is not an excuse for all their ill doings. Another thing is the weak opposition. Ranil should go and hand power to a young blood who is willing and able and have popular support. If there is a powerful opposition government can't get away with all this. The only saviour is the judiciary in Sri Lanka. Hope it will continue to remain the same.
In a democtratic society there is no harm people having different opinions.Let the society at large decide who is right or wrong.
Doesn't this incident remind us of the JVP threat during late 1980's ?
He certainly was brave and fearless. Fearless against whom he dislikes. He was not unbiased. His editorials are forceful and very clear in expression. His strong conviction for equality and justice for all Sri Lankans to be much admired. His hatred towards Rajapakshe overshadowed his responsibility as a newspaper man.
Who is next.
Will Sri Lanka be another Zimbabwe?
I am not shocked that this happened in Mahindas Sri lanka. I personally think that it is a bunch of Terrorists who are running the Country and they are as bad as the tigers if not worse.
God do u have eyes? what are u going to do this vedha barbarian mahinda rajapaksa?
Pl read carefully
First of all my deepest sympathies for his family, especially to his wife sonali and his children.
Sri-Lanka has lost a unique gem. Lasantha, you are a true hero!
Those who rejoice at his death are nothing but pathetic, disgraceful, disgusting animals living in human form. Your day will come very sooner than you think.
May his soul rest in peace. We will miss you dearly Lasantha.
DON'T BLAME TO ANY ONE.A SIHALEASE(WHETHER BUDDHIST OR CHRITIAN) HAD DIED.RIGHT TIME ,TO THE RIGHT PERSONS OR GROUP (LTTE OR ANY ONE) WILL GET THE PUNISHMENT.
It looks like good people have no place in the Mahinda bro's Lanka.
This dastardly murder explains why Prabaharan wanted Mahinda Rajapakse (the 'pragmatic' man) in power: he expected that the gangster would soon expose his vileness and be rejected by the IC.
But the calculation backfired.
Unfortunately even gangsters have their use and place for the IC - even Sadaam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden were nurtured and supported by the US while they served their purpose
Sudath Mannapperuma (January 8, 2009 10:18 AM) has missed the point: "It is not 'green' to kill the urban super stars." etc.
Perhaps he has missed the point because he thinks everyone who is against the GoSL has to be some kind of Kotia.
Just as those who spread wicked ideologies are more culpable than those who perpetrate those ideologies, so those who spread the ideology of the need for good and honest government and truthfulness are to be cherished more than those who benefit from it.
That is why the loss of Lasantha Wickrematunga is such a great loss and spells disaster for Lanka.
SL State terrorism practiced, mastered and perfected on SL Tamils over the past 50 years is now being applied on Sinhalese with precision. Even the damage control is done with extreme skill set. Immediate release of statements expressing condolenses and may a commision to investigate this murder, which will end with the fate of all other commisions investigated the murdered Tamils - I guess once the genocide on Tamils are completed, we will have the most effective and efficient killing squads with lots of white vans at its services to take care of any Sinhalese opposition to the people in power.
Is this the new Sri Lanka without the Tamils? Have the Tamils provided the SL state with a supreme skill set to create mayhem in the Sinhala country, after Tamils are wiped out or totally subdued? The LTTE was formed by the Tamils to let the sinhalese know, especially after all the ethnic progroms of 1958 and 1977 etc, that if we cannot live in peace in SL, then sorry, you cannot either.
So, once the LTTE And Tamils have gone, will these NEW supreme skill sets achieved, and seems integrated within the SL govt structures will be continued to put to use to keep the average sinhalese citizen in pins? If that is the case, then the Tamils /LTTE might have lost the battle, but WON THE WAR.
iam sure it is racist elements who killed him.Lasantha crossed the line with some newspaper items on the ethinic issues and the war. these 2 areas are extremely sensitive issues and you better travel with bodygaurds if you want to comment fearlessly about them.contrary to those who say chief justice is next i beg to differ. he has not put his nose into these issues.in fact he is a hero to these racist elements because he legally broke up the east from the north.lasanthas assasination is a pure and simple racial matter with probably some army elements organizing it.proof of this is when the former army commanderjanaka perera critized the way the war was being conducted he was made persona non grata at all army camps.just imagine what would have happened to him if he was not a very popular former general.the reason he was not shot dead by the same group was because he was popular in the army and there would have been a backlash from soldiers.for lasantha no such luck.
Sinhalese are the biggest enimies of the sinhalese.
Beginning from Bandaranaike who started all this with the implementation of sinhala only. Since that fateful day more sinhalese have died than Tamils or any other community. Sinhalese are like the Palestinians, they fight among themselves thus creating many divisions within them resulting in total disunity. The result of all this is total disregard for human lives, law and order, public safety as well communal disharmony.
Persons who stands up to defend righteousness will not do so for long as this is not acceptable in a corrupt society and administration weilding official power to eliminate those standing against them. This is indeed a very sad situation, but we got to accept it and live out our everyday lives which is but a lamp in a storm.
There are a lot of people suffering from indigestion of the news of killing Lasantha. I hope it leads to peptic-ulcer leading to cancer, if not worse. Any person who is capable of killing or being instrumetal to the act of killing an an honest and courageous journalist SHOULD NOT BE BLAMED as I see it.Their parents and their genetic make-up should be blamed for it.
There is a report that someone has been arrested? Let me predicta n outcome. Somebody is destined to take the rap?
LASANTHA, you will live for ever in our minds!
I read the most comments with enthusiasm.
I apologize to Lasantha family for that I am asking questions here.
However as I pointed out in previous comments most of here called us idiots for asking these questions.
If one look at this objectively:
1. Government will not benefit with this killing. But why they wanted to kill him if GOSL done that? Only reason I can think of is CJ Sarath Silva. If they want to give message to him with his controversial judgments lately. They want badly that to end i think and warning was given.
2. However if Ranil or LTTE done that - then there is much to gain.
I first thought attack on Sirasa done by Mervin. However again I am not so sure now. Army won Kilinochchi and it is matter of days they going to take Elephant Pass. In fact they did it today. Government riding high in popularity. All three big wigs MR, GR and El Leftinante Generale are popular with Sinhalese mainly. Even US embassy coming out saying they do not advocate talking to LTTE. Surprise surprise. Now International Opinion also somewhat favorable to GOSL. So why to Kill Lasantha and destroy all that.
Attack Sirasa - People were upset because Sirasa is Popular. (which Mervin threatened already - so he will be the culprit)
Kill Lasantha- Mahinda already threatened him. (So Mahinda automatically the culprit)
Government already lost sympathy with people when Sirasa attacked and Government lost credibility Internationally when Lasantha Killed. All while government is winning the war on all accounts.
So who benefited???
.
To: gamaya
Re: So who benefitted???
Rajiv Gandhi was killed and since then Indian Prime Ministers are from non-gandhi family.
So who benefitted???
It is not a secret that Sarath Fonseka is going to run for Presidency.
So, even if LTTE is to kill Sarath, who is going to benefit?
:-)
my Deepest sympathies heart felt to his Family
I am truely shocked. The Lanka leader gave me some hope thsat there are people who are after truth and justice in SL. With this I am not sure how I feel of Sri Lanka anymore
you are a hero
Abdul, you must be wrong. The 'Eminent' fight with the pen, but in vain as the idiots with the guns hold the power too. For history is going to remember these idiots, as 'patriots'. And Lasantha will be forgotten into one of the many who died during the 'dark times' by 'unknown gunmen'.
The sword holder are mightier, because they can 'censor' the truth and 'ban' the pen-holders from the truth. And truth too, after constant abuse from propaganda, become less attractive to the common man and International players that they forget to protect the likes of Lasantha. In the end the pen holder fights a loosing battle, paid for with his peace and lives. But I do wish otherwise, just like you Abdul, only in vain.
David Fernando, the problem is the likes of you and your friends in Sri Lanka seemed to have cared too much for this poor chap.
We all did appreciate his work and his commitment to his profession. But other than that, he was merely a messenger in our eyes. We may have not cared too much for Lasanth the person, other than his well-wishers and family. But your friends cared too much for who Lasantha was and what he did. They cared too much that they silenced him. Perhaps no tears from you, but maybe a little sigh of relief, for the good riddance of some inconvenient truth...
The daring abduction, torture and killing of independent journalist Richard De Zoysa in February 1990 marked the beginning of the end of the brutal Premadasa regime. Let us hope - and pray - that the killing of Lasantha will similarly mark the beginning of the end of the even more brutal and intolerant Rajapaksa regime. Their political parties may have green and blue respectively as their colours, but they are both bloody red in their conduct when it comes to engaging their critics. Besides, if we had a proper Leader of the Opposition in Sri Lanka (currently from the green party), things won't have descended to these depths!
Lanka is better off without him.
Ever thought who benefits from his death? Ranil. Who tried really hard to capitalize on Janaka Perera's death? Ranil.
This is a shame! We thought that the terror campaign of the murderous Premadasa regime was over. Now it is another terror campaign under a different name?
Our sympathies to Brilliant writer and fearless journalist Lasantha's family.
Swami
*** . Perhaps no tears from you, but maybe a little sigh of relief, for the good riddance of some inconvenient truth... ***
You are right... Good Riddance is more like it. I'd take the death of ONE THOUSAND JOURNALISTS over the death of Just ONE of our Brave Soldiers who have the guts to carry a weapon and Stand a Post defending this country.
Lasanth’s famous song I believe is “Don’t cry for me Argentina” according to DBS Jayaraj’s article in Tamil Week.
In this context I could see some similarities between this song and the story of Jesus Christ. When Jesus was condemned and forced to carry the Cross along the way to Calvary to be crucified.
There were some women of Jerusalem who were there, were veiling and crying when they saw the savior who was carrying the cross. He turned round and told them women of Jerusalem do not cry for me but, cry for your children.
Same I would like to say here, people of Sri Lanka do not cry for Lasanth cry for your country. The wreath of God is going to be on your Leader’s and the people who support this ruthless, blood thirsty, and animalistic regime now in power. They will have their judgment from the almighty and powerful one from above sooner than later.
He come on Killing our own people?Sri Lankans? Why? whats on earth going on? Come-on people why don’t we put a stop for these brutal killings?Ideots praising and thanking God for this murder? Kill every one and get killed by some body. please put a stop for these.
Whoever killed or supporting the killers of Lasantha …Listen you have shed innocent blood as always you do. feel sorry for your selves………the judgment day not so far away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He come on Killing our own people?Sri Lankans? Why? whats on earth going on? Come-on people why don’t we put a stop for these brutal killings?Ideots praising and thanking God for this murder? Kill every one and get killed by some body. Bloody nature of Sri Lankans …….please put a stop for these.
Whoever killed or supporting the killers of Lasantha …Listen you have shed innocent blood as always you do. feel sorry for your selves………the judgment day not so far away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
my deepest syphathies to srilankans (only to people who beleive themselves like lasantha)
recently read his letter which was intended to be released after his death which he knows already.
not only rajapakse but the srilankans(majority of them) who doesnt support him will never realise his dedication and in future they will pay for it.
I live on the other side of the world.I want to say i have been deeply effected by this man's courage , and stregnth in the face of horror.I hope i will remember his words always.And i am extrememly saddened by his death.
The butchers of this man are truly a disgrace to the entire human race. Suppressing intelligent, lucid free speech and thought with violence is definitively primitive and anti-progressive. Mr Lasantha Wickrematunga I will remember you as an honorable and wise man who fell victim to the atavistic foolishness that persists in our civilization.