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Event

Eknaligoda abduction trial, Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar

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Details

Court

Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar

Charges

The abduction and disappearance of the journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda and several related charges, according to News 1st

Accused

Nine Army intelligence officers, including the former Girithale Army Camp commanding officer, according to News 1st

Status

A new three-judge bench took up the trial on 4 May 2026. On 24 July 2026 it allowed the prosecution to recall the fourth witness; on 20 August 2026 the defence said the accused had petitioned the Supreme Court against that decision, and the bench said it would announce its decision on 4 September. Ada Derana reported on 16 October 2026 that Suresh Sallay was produced before the court to give evidence. No verdict reported

Appears on

Attacks on journalists and media, 2009 to 2026

Last checked

14 Oct 2026 (what this means)

Connections (2)

• Eknaligoda abduction trial, Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar / Concerns the abduction and disappearance of / Prageeth EknaligodaAllegation
  • News 1st reports that the Attorney General’s case against nine Army intelligence officers concerns his abduction and disappearance and several related charges. The Deputy Solicitor General attributed a witness’s conflicting statements to alleged threats and pressure from the first accused; the defence called the witness biased and noted a separate case over the alleged intimidation is pending before the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court with no final determination.19 Jun 2026 · News 1st · Eknaligoda Disappearance: Court to Rule on Witness
  • Ada Derana reports that the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar recommenced the stalled trial before a new three-judge bench on 4 May 2026 and ordered it to proceed weekly from 8 May. It names nine Army Intelligence members, including the former Giritale camp commanding officer, as defendants.5 May 2026 · Ada Derana · New three-judge bench to hear Prageeth Ekneligoda abduction case
  • News 1st reports that the three-judge bench unanimously allowed the prosecution to recall the fourth witness over defence objections, and names the former Giritale Army Camp commanding officer and military intelligence personnel as the accused. The article does not give a hearing date for the recalled testimony beyond saying it would be fixed after the August court vacation.24 Jul 2026 · News 1st · Court Allows Key Witness to Be Recalled in Eknaligoda Disappearance Trial
  • News 1st reports that defence lawyers told the bench the accused had petitioned the Supreme Court against the decision to let the fourth witness testify again, and that the bench would announce on 4 September whether the application would be accepted and how proceedings should continue. The witness had asked to testify again after saying his earlier evidence was given under pressure allegedly exerted by the accused.20 Aug 2026 · News 1st · Accused Challenge Court Decision to Rehear Witness In Eknaligoda Case
• Suresh Sallay / Produced before the court to give evidence in, 16 October 2026 / Eknaligoda abduction trial, Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar
  • Reports that the former State Intelligence Service director was brought before the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar by CID officers to give evidence about the abduction and enforced disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda. The article does not say what he said or that he is accused in the case.16 Oct 2026 · Ada Derana · Former SIS chief Suresh Sallay produced before High Court Trial-at-Bar