Unsolved Murders in Sri Lanka

L.S.C. Silva gives a brief account of unsolved murders that occurred in Sri Lanka during the period 1999 to 2022, where the murderers have not been brought to justice. He has confined his narration only to the murder of prominent politicians, distinguished sportsmen and journalists, strong supporters of political parties, suspected criminals in police custody and innocent youths abducted by armed forces and the murder of innocent worshippers by religious fanatics.

Murder is a severe type of unlawful homicide defined by a mental state known as ‘malice aforethought’. It signifies an intent to kill, an intent to inflict serious bodily harm, or acting with an extreme, reckless disregard for human life.

Penalties for murder may include capital punishment or life imprisonment. It is the duty of the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the murder and arrest the suspects. They have to elicit evidence and produce it to the Attorney General’s Department for prosecution. The judges of the Supreme Courts deliver the judgment based on the evidence presented by the Attorney-General’s Department.

The author is of the view that these murders have remained unsolved, not only due to the inefficiency of the Sri Lankan Police and Attorney-General’s Department, but also mainly due to the undue influence of corrupt politicians in power, which prevents these departments from acting independently to safeguard their henchmen.