AG advised to suspend probes on Karannagoda, Dassanayake

• Three-member committee to probe alleged political victimisation taken place from January 8, 2015 to November 16, 2019

By Yoshitha Perera 

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on alleged political victimisation of public officials has advised the Attorney General (AG) to suspend investigations into the cases of former Navy Commander Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda and former Navy Spokesman D.K.P. Dassanayake.  

Earlier, Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar indicted Karannagoda and Dassanayake over the abduction and disappearance of 11 youths in 2008 and 2009. The complaint has been lodged by former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda and former Navy Spokesman D.K.P. Dassanayake. After examining the complaint, the PCoI had advised the AG that the cases be put on hold until investigations carried out by the commission concluded. 

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a three-member presidential commission to probe and obtain information on alleged political victimisation taken place from January 8, 2015 to November 16, 2019.  The commission has been authorised to look into alleged political vengeance on government officials, employees of State corporations, members of the armed forces and the police who held positions prior to the 2015 presidential poll and general elections in August the same year. 

The commission chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyratne comprises retired Court of Appeal Judge Daya Chandrasiri Jayatilleka and retired IGP Chandra Fernando. The commission is due to submit its report within six months to the President.   

• Karannagoda and Dassanayake were indicted over the abduction and disappearance of 11 youths in 2008/9
• Commission is due to submit its report within six months to the President