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Event

Killing of Lasantha Wickrematunge, January 2009

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Details

Date

CPJ gives 8 January 2009 and News 1st gives 9 January 2009

What

CPJ says eight men on four motorcycles attacked the editor of The Sunday Leader, who died

Status

The Attorney General’s Department said in February 2025 that three people held in connection with the case were released for insufficient evidence and that the releases do not prevent charges if new evidence emerges; the Ministry of Public Security said in August 2025 that the CID had resumed its investigation; no charges reported

Appears on

Attacks on journalists and media, 2009 to 2026

Last checked

14 Oct 2026 (what this means)

Connections (3)

• Committee to Protect Journalists / Documented / Killing of Lasantha Wickrematunge, January 2009
  • Reports that eight men on four motorcycles attacked the editor on 8 January 2009, and that an editorial he had written was published three days after his death in which he said he expected to be killed.16 Feb 2010 · Committee to Protect Journalists · Attacks on the Press 2009: Sri Lanka
• Lasantha Wickrematunge / Killed in / Killing of Lasantha Wickrematunge, January 2009
  • Reports that he died after the attack on 8 January 2009.16 Feb 2010 · Committee to Protect Journalists · Attacks on the Press 2009: Sri Lanka
• Criminal Investigation Department / Resumed its investigation, per the Ministry of Public Security, August 2025 / Killing of Lasantha Wickrematunge, January 2009Allegation
  • News 1st reports, citing the Ministry of Public Security, that the CID has resumed its investigation, conducted in addition to the investigations previously carried out.24 Aug 2025 · News 1st · CID Reopens Probe into Lasantha Wickrematunga’s Murder
  • News 1st reports that three people held over the abduction of the driver and the disappearance of a document from the vehicle were released for insufficient evidence, and that the Attorney General’s Department said no new files had been submitted.12 Feb 2025 · News 1st · AG’s Department Refutes Claims of Recall on Release of Individuals in Lasantha Wickramatunga Case