Arrangements are underway for former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to give evidence online in a case regarding the disappearance of Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan in December, 2011.

The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has granted permission for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to give evidence online in the ongoing case.

Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan, of the Movement for People’s Struggle, disappeared at Avarangal, on 09 December, 2011, a day before a protest, organised by relatives of those who disappeared during the war, to mark International Human Rights Day in Jaffna.

The relatives of Lalith and Kugan filed a Habeas Corpus petition before the Court of Appeal, in Colombo, in 2012. During the hearing of the petition, the Court of Appeal directed the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court to record evidence from witnesses and submit a report regarding the alleged abduction.

Accordingly, proceedings commenced before the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court on September 19, 2012.

During the Yahapalana administration, in 2017, Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s name was included in the list of witnesses. The court subsequently ordered him to appear and testify. However, Rajapaksa repeatedly informed the court that he was unable to travel to Jaffna due to security concerns.

Accordingly, through his lawyers, he sought permission to testify virtually via an online platform. The court had earlier instructed him to submit an affidavit confirming the alleged security threats.

When the case was taken up yesterday (02), the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court granted permission for Gotabaya Rajapaksa to give evidence online.

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) Irakkamam branch has categorically rejected claims that a suspect arrested in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old girl was a Moulavi, asserting that the accused has no recognised religious qualifications, no formal Arabic education and no affiliation with the country’s premier Islamic religious organisation.

The clarification comes amid growing public concern over reports identifying a 21-year-old resident of Eragama as a Moulavi after he surrendered before court in connection with the alleged offence. The suspect was remanded until June 03, together with another individual accused of aiding and abetting the crime.

In a strongly-worded statement, the ACJU Irakkamam branch said the description of the suspect as a Moulavi was incorrect and misleading.

“The individual concerned has neither studied at a recognised Arabic college nor obtained the qualifications required to be identified as a Moulavi,” the statement said.

The organisation further stressed that the suspect has no connection whatsoever with the ACJU or any of its branches.

The ACJU expressed concern that the erroneous use of the religious title had the potential to misinform the public and unfairly tarnish the reputation of qualified Islamic scholars and religious institutions that have no link to the alleged crime.

Religious leaders pointed out that the title “Moulavi” is traditionally conferred upon individuals who have successfully completed formal Islamic theological studies at recognised institutions and are acknowledged for their religious scholarship.

The controversy arose after reports and social media posts widely referred to the suspect as a Moulavi following his arrest.

The ACJU maintained that the designation was factually inaccurate and called for greater diligence when identifying suspects in criminal investigations.

The organisation urged both law enforcement authorities and media institutions to verify information before assigning religious titles, particularly in sensitive cases involving children and serious criminal allegations.

Meanwhile, investigations into the alleged sexual abuse of the minor are continuing under Police supervision. The suspects remain in remand custody pending further judicial proceedings.

The case has attracted widespread attention across the Eastern Province, with child protection advocates calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice for the victim, while community leaders have appealed for accuracy and responsibility in public reporting to prevent the stigmatisation of religious institutions and scholars unconnected to the alleged offence.

By Ifham Nizam

Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Susil Ranasinghe yesterday (02) said that a decision on a water tariff revision would be made on 30 June.

Ranasinghe said so speaking to the media after a ceremony to present appointment letters to newly recruited Management Assistant officers of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board. The Minister said that no decision had yet been made regarding a tariff increase.

The Cabinet has decided that water tariffs will remain unchanged during the first six months of the year.

Sources said that against the backdrop of sharp increase in fuel prices, an upward water tariff revision would be inevitable. Minister Ranasinghe acknowledged that the recent rise in electricity tariffs could have some impact on water supply costs.