I haven’t cooked a meal of kiribath at my home for 14 long years: Sandya Ekneligoda

Sandya Ekneligoda, the spouse of missing journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, has become the voice of families who have been victimised due to enforced disappearances

Even though a new year has dawned it is another year of seeking justice for Sandya Ekneligoda, spouse of missing cartoonist and journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda and many families of victims who have been subject to enforced disappearances. Prageeth has received many awards and accolades even after he has been reported missing since January 24, 2010. On December 7, 2023, Prageeth was honoured with the 2023 Engel-du Tertre Award by the ACAT Foundation for Human Dignity at an event held at the Cite International Universitaire in Paris. In June 2022, the International Federation of Journalists honoured Prageeth for his contributions at its 31st General Assembly held in Oman.

“January 2, 2024 marks 5090 days since Prageeth went missing and it will be 14 years for January 24, 2024,” Sandya recalled during a media briefing held recently. “But justice is yet to be achieved.  I feel content about the journey I have made thus far. These appreciations and accolades bear testament to this cause. I believe that my journey had inspired and benefitted many other aggrieved parties who have become victims of enforced disappearances. I came to the forefront to be a voice to my husband following his disappearance. I believe that the appreciations, awards and accolades that Prageeth received throughout this journey are an inspiration to continue my cause to seek justice. While the world acknowledges his contributions, I would like to reflect on the progress of the investigations. From 2010-2015 it was the Rajapaksa regime that was in power; a regime that robbed Prageeth from me and my two sons. From 2015-2019 we were able to get a hint of his disappearance and the people connected to the incident. Army Intelligence officers were summoned to courts and by the end of 2019 a case was filed. But it is sad to say that this case is still in its preliminary stages even after five years.

“Two important witnesses have already been destroyed. Their testimonies have changed between 2015 and 2023 and it is clear that they were forced to lie. There’s a judge who is connected to the Army. In August 2023 I raised my concerns with the Chief Justice and requested him to appoint a fair Trial-at-Bar to serve justice to this case”
- Sandya Ekneligoda

“The regime that assumed power in 2019 attempted to release certain criminals connected to the incident. Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed a Presidential Commission on Political Victimisation headed by retired judge Upali Abeyratne who recommended that these criminals be released and to punish officers who carried out investigations. If the Rajapaksas assume power once again I wonder whether those recommendations would be valid. Two important witnesses have already been destroyed. Their testimonies have changed between 2015 and 2023 and it is clear that they were forced to lie. There’s a judge who is connected to the Army. In August 2023 I raised my concerns with the Chief Justice and requested him to appoint a fair Trial-at-Bar to serve justice to this case. But to date, he hasn’t taken heed of my request made as a primary witness and victim of the case and as a citizen of this country. The letter was copied to incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe too, but I haven’t received any response from either. I haven’t cooked a meal of kiribath (milk rice) in 14 years and at this point I have one request to make to our President. The world will appreciate Prageeth. But what I want is justice. I like to see these cases being heard at an independent court and not in a court that bows to the demands of the Rajapaksas. 2024 will be a decisive year for the President and all citizens of this country. My only hope is to see that this case ends in a just and fair manner, so that my children can think and live freely. I appreciate the support extended to me throughout this journey and I believe that people will continue to stand with me in this cause to seek justice,” she said.  

Prageeth’s face has been on numerous placards during the aragalaya Sandya recalls how the incumbent President called her a day after Prageeth went missing- back in 2010- assuring that he would resolve the case soon

When Maithripala Sirisena became President he pledged to resolve the Ekneligoda case among tens of thousands of other cases of missing persons. Prageeth’s face has been on numerous placards during the aragalaya, as people demanded justice for his family. Sandya recalled how the incumbent President called her a day after Prageeth went missing- back in 2010- assuring that he would resolve the case soon. But 14 years later, Sandya is still searching for her husband. 

On December 7, 2023, Prageeth was honoured with the 2023 Engel-du Tertre Award by the ACAT Foundation for Human Dignity

In June 2022, the International Federation of Journalists honoured Prageeth for his contributions at its 31st General Assembly held in Oman