Wasim Thajudeen

Wasim Thajudeen's Body Exhumed

August 10, 2015

The body of former Havelock's SC captain and Sri Lankan ruggerite Wasim Thajudeen was exhumed at the Muslim burial grounds in Dehiwela this morning.

Tight security was in place and the media was not permitted to be at the site of the grave.

The Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris, on August 6, allowed for the exhumation to take place today, following a request by the CID.

Thajudeen died in 2012, in what was then described to be an accident. However, the CID recently reported to the magistrate that the death was no accident.

Several political leaders have pointed the finger towards the Rajapaksa family for the alleged murder of Thajudeen. However, both former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his eldest son Namal Rajapaksa vehemently denied any involvement of the family in the incident.

Thajudeen's Remains To Be Exhumed Today

August 10, 2015

The remains of the former Sri Lankan ruggerite and Havelock's SC Captain Wasim Thajudeen will be exhumed today in the presence of a panel of JMOs including the Colombo Chief JMO.

The Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris, on August 6, allowed for the exhumation to take place today, following a request by the CID.

Thajudeen died in 2012, in what was then described to be an accident. However, the CID recently reported to the magistrate that the death was no accident. Several political leaders have pointed the finger towards the Rajapaksa family for the alleged murder of Thajudeen. However, both former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his eldest son Namal Rajapaksa vehemently denied any involvement of the family in the incident.

MR Confirms Thajudeen 'Killing"

August 09, 2015

Three years after Wassim Thajudeen's death, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa confirmed that the Rugy player's death was a "killing".

Rajapaksa, addressing a press conference at Jaic Hilton Hotel in Colombo this morning, said he would probe the killing of ruggerite Wassim Thajudeen if his party was elected to office at the general election.

"There should be an investigation. I am not disputing that, But this is a serious allegation - a murder. When we go through the reports we can see what has happened.The police should conduct a fair inquiry. In a future government under our leadership, we too will conduct an investigation," the former president said.

However, he raised suspicions over the timeline of the investigations. He said the new government started investigations into the murder just a few weeks ahead of the election.

Moreover, when contacted by Asian Mirror, a senior officer of the Police Department said fresh investigations into Thajudeen's death started in February.

He said the Criminal Investigations Department carried out inquiries for nearly four months and investigated into every aspect of the case.

Wasim Thajudeen died in 2012 in what was described as an accident. However, the CID recently told the Colombo Fort Magistrate that the death is no accident. Considering a request by the CID, the Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris gave permission recently to exhume Thajudeen's remains. The exhumation is scheduled for tomorrow.

Several political leaders have accused the Rajapaksa family of being involved in the alleged murder of Thajudeen. However, speaking to the BBC Sandeshaya recently, Namal Rajapaksa, elder son of Mahinda Rajapaksa, refuted these allegations. "We were family friends" Rajapaksa said.

Namal Rajapaksa Denies Involvement In Wasim Thajudeen's Death [VIDEO]

August 07, 2015

Former UPFA MP Namal Rajapaksa categorically refuted allegations that his family is involved in the death of former Havelock’s Captain Wasim Thajudeen in any way.

Speaking to BBC in a special interview, Namal Rajapaksa said that they were family friends. They have been to Thajudeen’s home often, Rajapaksa added. The friendship with him started from schooling days and lasted for five six years, he elaborated.

Wasim Thajudeen, a former Havelock’s SC Captain and a national rugger player, died in 2012, in what was then described as an accident. However, the CID informed Colombo Fort Magistrate recently that the death was no accident. His remains will be exhumed on August 10 for further investigations.

Several serious allegations have been made on the Rajapaksa family regarding the death of the rugger player. JVP leader Anura Dissanayake recently made a serious allegation that former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s sons were behind the incident.

Meanwhile Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senaratne yesterday said that three PSD personnel were involved in the death.

Related: Rajapaksa's Sons Will Be Found Guilty Of Thajudeen's Death: Anura Dissanayake

Related: Three PSD Members Involved In Thajudeen Death, Claims Senaratne

Wasim Thajudeen: A Brother, Friend And Teammate

August 07, 2015

For the second year running, young and old of the Thomian fraternity will congregate on Saturday, 8th of August to honour the memory of a personality, whose life has left a lasting impression on those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Within rugby circles there’s probably no one that did not.

Playing in my senior year at S.Thomas’, a notable addition to the young crop of players coming in was this tall sixteen year old from Prep school, who on closer inspection I realized was the brother of former team mate and longtime friend, Asfan Thajudeen. However, within a couple of sessions it was apparent to all that this lad was something special. With a prodigious boot, deceptive pace, and a long pass that few could match, it took young Mohamed Wasim Thajudeen very little time to step out of the shadow of his brother and make a name for himself. Wasim’s star rose to dizzy heights, and rose very quickly. Having completed his time in school rugby, where he was Vice Captain in 2003, he made a seamless transition into club rugby, representing Havelock SC for many a season, captaining the famous Town side in 2009. It was not long before National honours were bestowed upon him, and injury apart, Wasim was almost always a certain choice in the sevens and fifteen-a-side teams.

On the rugby field, Wasim had done it all – for school, club and country. But for the many of us friends he’s left behind, his personality, unreserved generosity and faithfulness has left a gaping void. It is for the wonderful human being Wassa was that he will be remembered the most. That cheeky smile, coupled with a constant flow of witty remarks that sent everyone into raptures of laughter will live long in the memory of those fortunate to have befriended him. He would also never bear a grudge against anyone. One recollection that comes instantly to mind is the Royal-Thomian encounter in 2001 – Wasim’s first. After a few even exchanges early on in the game, we were gifted with a penalty right in front of the posts. Given that a players of Wasim’s ability could have knocked it over blind-folded, skipper Jivan Goonetilleke pointed to the posts. Wassa made a terrible hash of it, and in horror we saw the ball race along the turf and under the cross bar a la football style. It was just not our day, and things went from bad to worse as we came undone losing to the superior Royalist by quite a margin. However, not long after the final whistle, Wasim being Wasim with his trademark smile, we all saw the funny side of it, with the incident often coming up in conversation time after time in the years that followed.

Perhaps being voted the ‘Most Popular Ruggerite’ by vote in 2008, in some small measure is testament to how much loved he was. Another hallmark quality he possessed was unwavering loyalty – extinct in modern society today. To his friends, family, and his beloved Havelock Sports Club Wasim always stayed true, in good times and in bad.

There is no better fitting tribute than a game of rugby in his honour played by those whose lives he touched in some way or form. However, I feel it in my responsibility to warn you. If the goodwill feel of the event were to lull you into thinking this is to be some friendly Saturday evening stroll – you are sadly mistaken. I played in last year’s inaugural encounter. I did, and have just recovered in time to sign up for this weekend’s game. Trust me, there was nothing ‘friendly’ about the game. The hits were frightful, heard many rows back in the pavilion, and even the odd ‘argy bargy’. A see-saw battle saw many tries scored with the old boys of Mount Lavinia coming up trumps and being the first to hold aloft the trophy.

A bigger and better event is planned for this year, which will take place at the CR&FC, Longdon Place. The main event – 15-a-side open contact game for the Wasim Thajudeen Memorial Trophy will be preceded by a 10-a-side tag game (also played amongst the old boys of STC, and STPS), as well as an Under 16 encounter between the two schools. The evenings programme concludes with the customary dinner and social, where camaraderie is rekindled by old friends from yesteryear amidst music, raffle draws and other fanfare.

As for the main game, it seems pretty close to call. Though I must admit, that the Mount Lavinia side holds a bit of an edge with a host of former captains such as Dillon Fox, Ashane Karthelis, and the immensely talented Devin Jayasinghe in their ranks. The Prepite side pretty much draws from the same players that did the business last year. Man-of-the-Match from last time around Shahen Rodrigo, Thiwanka Bulankulame, along with Roshanka Kodithuwakku are expected to be the live wires for the dark blue, light blue, and whites, with able support extended from the senior ranks. Its certain to make entertaining viewing, with no quarter asked nor given.

When the teams line up this Saturday evening for the respective anthems, there is certain to be many a lump-in-the throat as we reminisce a dear friend who was plucked away from us far far too soon. However, calling on every effort we will put sentiment to one side as the teams strive their best to put on a show for all those present – schoolmates, friends, family, spouses and spices, or just rugby fans or well-wishers.

We hope we do justice to the true Champion you were my dear friend.

Written by Jayan Goonetilleke

(thepapare.com)

Three PSD Members Involved In Thajudeen Death, Claims Senaratne

August 07, 2015

Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Rajitha Senaratne added a new twist to the mystery surrounding former Havelock's Captain Wasim Thajudeen's death, by claiming that three President's Security Division personnel were involved in the alleged murder.

He made this observation during the Cabinet press briefing yesterday.

Wasim Thajudeen, a former Captain of Havelock’s SC and a national rugger player, died in 2012 in what was then described as an accident. However, the CID recently informed courts that his death did not occur due to an accident.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris yesterday allowed the exhumation of the remains of Thajudeen's body. The exhumation will take place on August 10.

Wasim Thajudeen's Death: Body To Be Exhumed On August 10

August 06, 2015

Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris allowed the exhumation of the body of former Sri Lankan rugby player Wasim Thajudeen on August 10.

The exhumation will be carried out in the presence of a panel of Judicial Medical Officers, including the Chief JMO of Colombo Ajith Tennakoon.

The CID, along with the AG’s Department, made a representation at the courts yesterday. Filing a report to the court, the CID said that it needs to obtain an analytical report on bone fractures on Thajudeen’s body.

The Additional Magistrate announced that he will give his decision today after considering the request.

Wasim Thajudeen's Death: Magistrate Order On Exhuming Body To Be Given Tomorrow

August 05, 2015

Colombo Additional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris said that the order on exhuming Wasim Thajudeen’s body will be given tomorrow, following a request made by the CID today.

The CID had earlier sought the Attorney General’s advice on exhuming the body.

The CID, along with the AG’s Department, made a representation at the courts today. Filing a report to the court, the CID said that it needs to obtain an analytical report on bone fractures on Thajudeen’s body.

The Additional Magistrate announced that he will give his decision tomorrow after considering the request.

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