It is reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to appoint journalist Sonali Samarasinghe, the wife of slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga, as a Minister-Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York.
Meanwhile, the first wife of Lasantha Wickrematunga, journalist Raine Wickrematunga, and their three children continue their struggle to seek justice by exerting pressure both locally and internationally for an impartial investigation into the assassination of the founding editor of the Sunday Leader.
The recent decision to release three suspects linked to the assassination of Wickrematunge has triggered strong backlash from media and civil rights activists, who allege it is part of an effort to shield criminals.
Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe has informed the Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that legal proceedings would not continue against three key suspects in the case.
Media organizations and civil society leaders have expressed their dismay, claiming the move undermines efforts to deliver justice in the long-delayed case.