Lasantha Wickrematunge, Sri Lankan Journalist (b. 1958)

Lasantha Manilal Wickrematunge (born 5 April 1958, assassinated 8 January 2009) was a prominent Sri Lankan journalist, an influential political commentator, and a staunch human rights activist whose life was tragically cut short in a targeted assassination. His murder in January 2009 sent shockwaves across Sri Lanka and the international community, profoundly impacting discussions around media freedom and justice in the nation.

The Sunday Leader and Crusading Journalism

Wickrematunge was the visionary founder of The Sunday Leader and its parent company, Leader Publications, a venture he established alongside his brother, Lal Wickrematunge. Under his leadership, The Sunday Leader became renowned for its fearless investigative journalism and its willingness to challenge authority, consistently holding "governments of all hues to task." This dedication meant scrutinizing administrations regardless of their political alignment, earning him a reputation as an uncompromised voice in Sri Lankan media. During the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War, his publication stood out as a particularly "virulent critic of the Mahinda Rajapaksa government," then led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

His unwavering commitment to exposing corruption and government malfeasance often placed him in direct confrontation with powerful figures. Notably, Wickrematunge had been "locked in a legal battle" with Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who at the time served as the President's brother and the powerful Defence Secretary. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was spearheading the intense military campaign against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, and the legal dispute often revolved around sensitive reports published by The Sunday Leader concerning alleged corruption in military procurements and conduct during the war.

A Targeted Voice on the Endangered List

Wickrematunge's assassination was not an isolated event but occurred amidst a concerning pattern of attacks and intimidation against journalists and media organizations critical of the government in Sri Lanka. His relentless pursuit of truth had made him a marked man long before his death. In fact, he had been listed on Amnesty International's endangered list since as far back as 1998. This designation underscored the severe threats he faced due to his profession and activism. A chilling testament to these threats occurred in 1998 when anti-tank shells were fired on his house, a clear attempt to silence him and deter his investigative work, highlighting the extreme risks inherent in his journalism.

The Profound Impact of a Journalist's Murder

The assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge caused a national frenzy, reverberating deeply throughout Sri Lankan society. As one of the country's most influential media personnel and a prominent political figure, his death immediately sparked widespread concern and raised critical questions about the state of freedom of expression and the rule of law within Sri Lanka. The profound shock was amplified by the fact that such a high-profile figure could be attacked with impunity.

The global response to Wickrematunge's murder was swift and condemnatory. Major international human rights organizations, press freedom advocates, and foreign governments voiced their outrage and called for a thorough investigation. Domestically, the reaction was equally forceful. The Daily Mirror, a leading Sri Lankan newspaper, famously lamented the killing as the "biggest blow" to media freedom Sri Lanka had ever experienced, underscoring the severe implications for the country's democratic principles. The Editors Guild of Sri Lanka went further, explicitly holding the government responsible for the killing, citing its apparent failure to halt the escalating attacks against media personnel and create a safe environment for journalists. While the government officially expressed shock at the killing and pledged to exhaust all efforts to apprehend his killers, critics frequently pointed to the lack of concrete progress in the subsequent investigations as a testament to the prevailing climate of impunity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lasantha Wickrematunge

Who was Lasantha Wickrematunge?
Lasantha Wickrematunge was an acclaimed Sri Lankan journalist, politician, and human rights activist, widely recognized as the founder and editor-in-chief of The Sunday Leader newspaper. He was known for his courageous investigative journalism and strong critiques of government actions.
What was The Sunday Leader known for?
The Sunday Leader, founded by Wickrematunge, was celebrated for its independent and often controversial reporting, particularly its willingness to expose corruption and hold various governments accountable, earning it a reputation as a leading voice against impunity in Sri Lanka.
Why was Lasantha Wickrematunge a target?
Wickrematunge became a target due to his relentless investigative reporting on corruption and abuses of power within various administrations, including the Mahinda Rajapaksa government. His critiques of powerful figures, notably Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and his legal battles with them placed him at significant risk.
What was the impact of his assassination?
His assassination ignited a national and international outcry, profoundly highlighting concerns about media freedom and human rights in Sri Lanka. It became a symbol of the dangers faced by journalists in the country and spurred widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates worldwide.