The Jaffna Magistrate's Court has directed former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to testify via video link on September 29 regarding the 2011 disappearances of human rights activists Lalith Weeraraj and Kugan Murugananthan, whom he will testify about from the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court.
The Jaffna Magistrate's Court has scheduled former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to provide testimony through video link on September 29 in connection with the long-standing inquiry into the disappearance of two human rights activists over a decade ago. Rajapaksa, who was serving as Defence Secretary when the incident occurred, will testify from the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court while video-linked to the proceedings in Jaffna.
The two activists, Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Murugananthan, disappeared in the Avarangal area of Jaffna on December 10, 2011. Rajapaksa was originally summoned to appear in person before the Jaffna Magistrate's Court on September 27, 2019, to provide evidence in the investigation. However, the case has faced delays in recent years.
Earlier this year, the court granted permission for Rajapaksa to testify through electronic means after he requested remote appearance arrangements, citing security concerns. Court records indicate that Rajapaksa failed to appear in December of the previous year, with his legal representatives stating that threats to his life prevented his attendance. The court subsequently directed that such claims be formally documented to facilitate the continuation of proceedings.
