News Today: AG Suspends Discharge Order of Three Suspects

The Attorney General (AG) has temporarily suspended the discharge order of three suspects linked to the 2009 murder of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge. The Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court was informed of this decision yesterday by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) through a motion.

This development follows an order issued on January 27, 2025, directing the CID to submit a report within 14 days regarding whether the suspects could be released.

Who Are the Key Suspects?

The three individuals involved in this case include:
✅ Ananda Udalagama – A former military intelligence sergeant, arrested for allegedly threatening witnesses.
✅ Tissa Sugathapala – Former Mount Lavinia Police Crime Branch OIC, arrested for concealing evidence.
✅ Prasanna Nanayakkara – Area Deputy Inspector General (DIG), also charged with obstructing the investigation.

The Attorney General’s decision to release the suspects had drawn widespread attention. However, with the new suspension, the CID has now been directed to submit the full case extracts for review.

Next Court Date and Future Proceedings

After considering the facts presented, the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court has scheduled the next hearing for May 30, 2025. The suspects are required to appear before the court on this date.

This case remains a high-profile investigation, as Wickrematunge’s assassination remains one of Sri Lanka’s most controversial unsolved murders, drawing local and international scrutiny.