Lasantha Wickrematunge, Sri Lankan lawyer and journalist (d. 2009)

Lasantha Manilal Wickrematunge, born on April 5, 1958, and tragically assassinated on January 8, 2009, was a towering figure in Sri Lankan public life. He was a multi-faceted individual, renowned as a fearless journalist, an engaged politician, and a vocal human rights activist. His untimely death sent shockwaves across the nation and the international community, becoming a poignant symbol in the ongoing struggle for media freedom and justice.

A Fearless Voice in Sri Lankan Journalism

Wickrematunge’s journalistic legacy is perhaps best defined by his founding of The Sunday Leader and Leader Publications, a venture he embarked upon with his brother. Under his leadership, The Sunday Leader quickly established itself as a beacon of investigative journalism, fearlessly scrutinizing the powerful and holding them accountable. He earned a reputation for "taking governments of all hues to task," demonstrating an unwavering commitment to truth regardless of political affiliation. During a particularly tumultuous period in Sri Lankan history, Wickrematunge emerged as a "virulent critic of the Mahinda Rajapaksa government," challenging policies and actions that he believed undermined democratic principles and human rights.

His tenacity led him into a significant legal battle with the then-defense secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who also happened to be the president's brother. At a time when the government was spearheading the final stages of the conflict against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, Wickrematunge's critical reporting on matters related to defense, governance, and human rights placed him squarely in the crosshairs of power, making his journalism both impactful and inherently dangerous.

The Tragic Assassination and its Immediate Aftermath

The assassination of Lasantha Wickrematunge in January 2009 triggered a profound national frenzy. As one of the country's most influential media personalities and a significant political figure, his murder not only devastated his family and colleagues but also ignited a widespread public debate about the precarious state of freedom of expression in Sri Lanka. The incident garnered global attention and was met with condemnation from around the world, underscoring the universal value placed on the safety of journalists.

Domestically, the reaction was particularly sharp. Sri Lanka's Daily Mirror newspaper lamented his death as the "biggest blow" to media freedom in the country. The Editors Guild of Sri Lanka, representing the journalistic community, unequivocally held the government responsible for the killing, citing its perceived failure to curb the escalating pattern of attacks against media personnel. While the government itself expressed shock at the killing and pledged to exhaust every resource to apprehend the perpetrators, these assurances did little to assuage the growing concerns about press freedom and the rule of law.

A History of Threats and Unwavering Resolve

Lasantha Wickrematunge's assassination was not an isolated incident, but rather the culmination of a long history of threats and attempts on his life, highlighting the constant peril he faced due to his uncompromising journalism. His vulnerability was recognized internationally; he had been included on Amnesty International's endangered list as early as 1998, a decade before his death. This recognition came after a chilling incident where anti-tank shells were fired at his home, serving as an early, stark warning of the extreme risks associated with his pursuit of truth and justice in Sri Lanka.

FAQs

Who was Lasantha Wickrematunge?

Lasantha Wickrematunge was a prominent Sri Lankan journalist, politician, and human rights activist. He was the founder of The Sunday Leader newspaper and was widely known for his fearless investigative journalism and critical stance against successive governments.

What was The Sunday Leader?

The Sunday Leader was an influential English-language weekly newspaper in Sri Lanka, co-founded by Lasantha Wickrematunge. It gained a reputation for its bold, often critical, reporting on political corruption, human rights abuses, and governmental accountability.

Why was Lasantha Wickrematunge considered a controversial figure?

Wickrematunge was controversial because he consistently challenged those in power, earning him the description of "a virulent critic" of the Mahinda Rajapaksa government. His critical reporting, particularly during sensitive periods like the war against the LTTE, often put him at odds with the authorities and powerful political figures.

What was the context of his assassination?

His assassination occurred in January 2009, a critical period during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War. His ongoing legal battle with then-Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his persistent criticism of the government's actions placed him in a highly dangerous position, contributing to a climate where media freedom was severely challenged.

What was the global reaction to his death?

Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder drew widespread international condemnation from human rights organizations, media bodies, and foreign governments. It prompted serious concerns globally about the state of press freedom and the safety of journalists in Sri Lanka.