started · updated
Gotabaya Rajapaksa testifies on 2011 disappearances and abductions
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa provided online testimony via Zoom from the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court for a case being heard in the Jaffna Magistrate's Court. The proceedings concern the December 2011 disappearance of political activists Lalith Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan, who were reportedly abducted in a white van in Jaffna.
During questioning, Rajapaksa stated he had no recollection of the incident due to the passage of time. He also addressed allegations regarding the abduction of journalist Keith Noyahr, stating he could not recall details of the event or whether he had been contacted about it while serving as Defence Secretary. Rajapaksa denied claims that his intervention led to Noyahr's release and rejected allegations of state-sponsored abductions as politically motivated attempts to damage the country's reputation.
The court has postponed the recording of further evidence until November 27, at which time Rajapaksa is ordered to appear.
Entities
Aluthkade Court Complex · Frontline Socialist Party · Gotabaya Rajapaksa · Jaffna Magistrate's Court · Keith Noyahr · Kugan Muruganandan · Lalith Kumar Weeraraj · Lalith Weeraraj
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa testified that he does not recall details regarding the 2011 abduction of journalist Keith Noyahr. frontpage.lk · www.newswire.lk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rajapaksa stated he has no recollection of the disappearance of activists Lalith Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan in December 2011.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Rajapaksa rejected allegations of abductions and disappearances during his tenure as Defence Secretary, calling them politically motivated. frontpage.lk · www.newswire.lk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The court postponed the recording of further evidence until November 27. frontpage.lk · www.newswire.lk