A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court today ordered the remand of 09 members of the Military Intelligence Unit who were released on bail in connection with the disappearance and murder of journalist Prakeeth Ekneligoda until the 13th of next month.
The order was issued when the case was taken up for hearing in the presence of a three-judge panel comprising Sanjeeva Morayes, Tamith Dodawatta and Mahen Weeraman.
Sumathipala Suresh, a witness appearing before the court to testify in the case, had not appeared before the court before and the victim’s lawyer Upul Kumarapperuma pointed out that a warrant had been issued by the court for his arrest.
As the witness was under pressure, the Attorney General requested the court to order an inquiry into the matter.
Senior Deputy Solicitor General Dileep Peiris, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that the court should focus on the matter as he too understands the pressure being put on witnesses in the case.
The case was adjourned till the 13th of this month after the witnesses were questioned.