-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -30.Dec.2024, 5.20 PM) The tragic and unresolved disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda, a journalist and cartoonist with Lanka e-News, has long haunted Sri Lanka's fraught history with press freedom and human rights. Abducted on January 25, 2010, during the height of Sri Lanka’s post-civil war era, Prageeth's case is emblematic of the silencing tactics employed by those in power. Mounting evidence points to direct involvement by the Sri Lankan military, with the operation’s oversight allegedly traced back to then-Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Notably, during this period, Gotabaya Rajapaksa held U.S. citizenship, a detail that not only complicates the legalities surrounding his actions but also compels the United States to act under its own laws and international obligations. This article argues why the U.S. State Department must launch a formal investigation into Rajapaksa's alleged role in Eknaligoda’s disappearance, the subsequent cover-up, and the potential misuse of U.S. citizenship to evade accountability.
The claims against Gotabaya Rajapaksa are grave. Multiple witnesses, including former military personnel, have implicated him in ordering abductions, extrajudicial killings, and systematic intimidation of journalists and activists. One crucial piece of evidence in Eknaligoda’s case is a phone number, 077-0375704, allegedly linked to the operation responsible for his kidnapping and murder. Sri Lankan investigators have traced calls made on this line to key military installations during the critical hours of Prageeth’s abduction.
In the years following the incident, Major General Ran Banda, a former intelligence officer, provided damning testimony to Sri Lankan magistrates. He described in detail how Prageeth was allegedly interrogated, transported, and ultimately killed under military supervision. His accounts align with other circumstantial evidence and eyewitness testimonies. Despite these revelations, justice for Eknaligoda has remained elusive, hampered by political interference and a culture of impunity.
The crux of the matter lies in Gotabaya Rajapaksa's dual identity at the time. As a U.S. citizen, he swore allegiance to uphold American laws and values, including the defense of human rights. By allegedly orchestrating crimes of this nature while holding U.S. citizenship, Rajapaksa not only betrayed his sworn allegiance but also created an avenue for U.S. legal authorities to intervene.
Under the U.S. legal framework, citizenship does not shield individuals from accountability for international crimes. The United States has a long-standing commitment to upholding human rights, particularly when violations are perpetrated by or involve its citizens.
The Torture Victim Protection Act (TVPA) provides jurisdiction for U.S. courts to hear cases involving acts of torture and extrajudicial killings carried out abroad, as long as the accused is a U.S. national. Additionally, the Magnitsky Act empowers the U.S. government to impose sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on foreign individuals responsible for gross human rights violations. Both these instruments could be leveraged to address Gotabaya Rajapaksa's alleged actions.
Furthermore, if the investigation confirms his involvement, the U.S. government has the authority to revoke citizenship of family members who obtained it through sponsorship by Rajapaksa. This measure would send a powerful message that U.S. citizenship is not a sanctuary for individuals implicated in serious crimes.
In recent years, a disconcerting trend has emerged on social media platforms, where individuals and outlets—allegedly funded by the Rajapaksa family—have propagated alternative narratives about Prageeth's disappearance. These narratives often aim to discredit ongoing legal proceedings and muddy the waters of public opinion.
By exploiting digital platforms, these actors have sought to undermine the credibility of key witnesses, such as Major General Ran Banda, while introducing fabricated “new evidence” to divert attention from the core allegations. The timing of these campaigns is conspicuous, coinciding with renewed calls for accountability from both domestic and international stakeholders.
This digital disinformation campaign underscores the urgency for a transparent, independent investigation led by credible international actors, including the U.S. State Department. By acting decisively, the U.S. can reinforce the principle that truth cannot be overshadowed by manufactured distractions.
The family of Prageeth Eknaligoda, particularly his wife Sandhya, has waged a tireless campaign for justice. Their fight has garnered support from human rights organizations and international bodies, all of whom recognize the broader implications of this case. The abduction and murder of a journalist strike at the heart of democratic principles, including freedom of expression and accountability.
For the U.S., this case is an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership in defending press freedom. At a time when journalists worldwide face increasing threats, holding Gotabaya Rajapaksa accountable would set a powerful precedent. It would affirm that citizenship in a democracy comes with responsibilities—and that there are consequences for those who abuse power and privilege to suppress dissent.
1. Launch a Formal Investigation: The State Department, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, must investigate Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s actions during his tenure as Sri Lanka’s Defense Secretary. This should include examining evidence from Sri Lankan judicial proceedings, such as the testimonies of Major General Ran Banda and other witnesses.
2. Engage with International Partners: The U.S. should work with Sri Lankan authorities and international human rights organizations to gather additional evidence and ensure the investigation is comprehensive and impartial.
3. Leverage Existing Legal Frameworks: Based on the findings, the U.S. should consider legal actions under the TVPA and Magnitsky Act. These measures would hold Gotabaya accountable for his alleged crimes and serve as a deterrent to others.
5. Review Family Sponsorship and Citizenship: If Rajapaksa’s culpability is established, the U.S. must review the citizenship status of his family members who obtained it through his sponsorship. This would reinforce the principle that citizenship is a privilege, not a shield for impunity.
6. Combat Disinformation: The State Department should collaborate with social media platforms to identify and counter disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining justice for Prageeth Eknaligoda. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the facts of the case would also help combat misinformation.
The disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda is not just a Sri Lankan tragedy—it is a global call to defend the principles of justice, accountability, and press freedom. The U.S. State Department has both the legal tools and moral responsibility to investigate Gotabaya Rajapaksa's alleged role in this heinous crime. Doing so would reaffirm America’s commitment to human rights and send a clear message that power and privilege do not place anyone above the law.
For Sandhya Eknaligoda and countless others who have suffered under regimes of impunity, justice delayed is justice denied. It is time for the U.S. to step forward and ensure that the truth is brought to light and that those responsible are held accountable—no matter how powerful they may be.
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by (2024-12-30 11:55:01)
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