-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -25.Jan.2025, 7.10 PM) When it comes to the mysterious attack on journalist Iqbal Athas, Sri Lankan political legends Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka have turned finger-pointing into an art form. This saga of mutual blame and denial could make for a top-rated Netflix series—complete with twists, questionable alibis, and, of course, no resolution in sight.
Let’s unravel this comedy of accusations and counter-accusations that feels more like an awkward family argument than an investigation into a serious crime.
It all began when Gotabaya Rajapaksa, ex-president and master of cryptic statements, decided to take a trip down memory lane. While chatting with a diplomat over what we can only assume was some strong Ceylon tea, Gotabaya casually dropped a bombshell: the 1998 attack on journalist Iqbal Athas? “Oh, that was Sarath Fonseka’s doing,” he said, as if accusing someone of a heinous crime was just small talk.
But Gotabaya didn’t stop there. He even claimed that an ex-Air Force officer had admitted to participating in the attack during a casual chit-chat with journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama. Now, if you’re wondering why this “admission” hasn’t led to an investigation, you’re not alone. Apparently, Sri Lanka’s CID had other priorities—like perfecting the art of doing nothing.
Not one to let an accusation go unchallenged, Sarath Fonseka fired back. In his signature no-nonsense style, he dismissed Gotabaya’s claims with a mix of indignation and sarcasm. “Oh, sure,” Fonseka quipped, “I masterminded an attack on a journalist while balancing my other duties, like leading the military and being the scapegoat for everything.”
Fonseka went on to suggest that Gotabaya’s accusations were less about seeking justice and more about settling old scores. “If anyone should be investigated,” Fonseka added, “it’s the people who conveniently forgot to ask these questions for 25 years.” Touché, Field Marshal.
While Gotabaya and Fonseka exchanged verbal jabs, the actual issue—an attack on a journalist—seemed to fade into the background. Iqbal Athas, whose fearless reporting on defense corruption had made him a target, deserved justice. Instead, his case became fodder for political drama.
The attack itself was chilling. Five armed men stormed Athas’s home, threatened his family, and tried to abduct him. In a twist straight out of a crime novel, they left abruptly, claiming they might have “gone to the wrong house.” Really? Because that’s exactly what armed assailants say when they realize they’ve made a mistake.
This isn’t the first time Sri Lanka’s political elite have turned a serious issue into a blame game. Gotabaya and Fonseka have a history of taking potshots at each other, often overshadowing the real problems they’re supposed to address.
Their feud is so legendary that it deserves its own reality show. Imagine it: The Blame Game: Sri Lanka Edition. Each episode would feature the duo rehashing old grievances, complete with dramatic music and slow-motion replays of their accusations.
Jokes aside, the attack on Iqbal Athas isn’t just another chapter in the Gotabaya-Fonseka saga. It’s a glaring example of how justice can be sidelined in the name of politics.
Athas was targeted because he dared to expose corruption and incompetence within the military. His reporting wasn’t just journalism—it was a public service. The fact that his attackers were never brought to justice sends a chilling message to other journalists: speak out, and you’re on your own.
A new investigation into the attack is long overdue. And while Gotabaya and Fonseka’s squabbling makes for great headlines, it’s time for the authorities to focus on the actual crime.
The entire situation feels like a tragic comedy. On one hand, you have Gotabaya, who seems to believe that throwing Fonseka under the bus will solve all his problems. On the other hand, you have Fonseka, who’s mastered the art of turning every accusation into a punchline.
And then there’s Iqbal Athas, the journalist who dared to tell the truth and paid the price for it. While the political elites play their games, Athas and his family are left to wonder if they’ll ever see justice.
As calls for a new investigation grow louder, one can only hope that the authorities finally take action. Whether or not Gotabaya or Fonseka are guilty is a question for the investigators. But what’s clear is that the culture of impunity that allowed this attack to happen—and go unpunished—needs to end.
In the meantime, we’ll keep watching the Gotabaya-Fonseka show, popcorn in hand, wondering what new plot twist they’ll serve up next.
In the end, the blame game between Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Sarath Fonseka is a reminder of just how far Sri Lanka’s political elite will go to avoid accountability. But for Iqbal Athas and other journalists who risk their lives to expose the truth, it’s not a game—it’s a matter of justice.
So, here’s to hoping that this tragicomedy finally gets a resolution—and that justice, however delayed, is not denied. Until then, we’ll be here, watching the drama unfold and waiting for someone, anyone, to actually do their job.
---------------------------
by (2025-01-25 13:44:28)
Read 17076 Times
Leave a Reply
0 discussion on this news