Former Defence Ministry Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa testified via video link before the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court in the case concerning the disappearance of political activists Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan, saying he could not recall several matters raised during questioning.
Rajapaksa arrived at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court at around 1:20 p.m. to give evidence through an online link to the Jaffna court. Attorney Nuwan Bopage questioned him on behalf of the complainants.
The case concerns the disappearance of the two activists in December 2011 in the Avarangal area of Jaffna. They were reportedly abducted by an unidentified group traveling in a white van while organizing a press conference for families of missing persons to coincide with International Human Rights Day.
Former government media spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella had previously told a media briefing that the activists were alive. During subsequent investigations, he said his statement was based on information provided by Rajapaksa, who was then Defence Ministry Secretary.
Rajapaksa was issued summons in March 2019, but his testimony was delayed after he cited security concerns before assuming the presidency later that year. Following a request by his lawyers on February 6, the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court granted permission on June 2 for him to testify virtually.
During questioning about the abduction and assault of journalist Keith Noyahr, Rajapaksa said that, to his knowledge, Noyahr had not disappeared. However, he acknowledged knowing that the journalist had been abducted, tortured and subsequently found. He said he was not prepared to discuss the details of that case during the hearing.
Asked whether he recalled receiving a telephone call concerning Noyahr’s abduction or informing former Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickramaratne and intelligence chief Major General Kapila Hendavitharana, Rajapaksa said he could not remember because considerable time had passed. He added that, had he known of such an incident at the time, he would have informed the IGP.
Rajapaksa rejected the suggestion that Noyahr had been released alive on his direct orders, saying he did not know who had carried out the abduction or how it had occurred. He also denied knowledge of a January 2017 Criminal Investigation Department report or the identification of five officers from the Army’s Tripoli Platoon as suspects in the case.
Responding to questions about his responsibilities, Rajapaksa maintained that his role as Defence Ministry Secretary involved conveying government policy decisions to the relevant institutions. He denied participating in military operations on the ground or issuing instructions concerning abductions and disappearances.
Asked whether civilian disappearances posed a threat to national security, he said people disappeared for various reasons and that the Police took action. He added that not every disappearance was reported to the Security Council, although particular cases were brought to its attention.
Rajapaksa alleged that political opponents had fabricated claims linking the military and intelligence services to abductions for political gain and to damage Sri Lanka’s international reputation.
The court fixed the next hearing for November 27.
