The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, regarding the Government’s position on the assassination of Mr. Lasantha Wickrematunge and the attack on the “Sirasa” institution, the Minister of Public Security answered in this very Session a few days ago. The Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, also answered on this. As a Government, we are making maximum efforts to investigate killings of journalists and attacks on media institutions. Mr. Wickrematunge was assassinated in 2009 — 17 years ago. Those killers, their accomplices, and even Ministers of past Governments who claimed to be catching those killers, all passed by while 17 years elapsed, and only now this is being raised. Regardless of Standing Orders, as a Government we will do everything necessary to find those killers and deliver justice. Those killers ruled this country, and some served as Ministers in previous Governments. You formed Governments saying you would catch the killers and ruled for years. We will clearly find those responsible and deliver justice. That is all I have to say.