The Attorney-General has advised the government that his Department will forward an indictment in the case of the killing of 5 students belonging to the Agricultural College, Thandikulam on 18 November last year. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights, making a special announcement to the media on 4 July (Wednesday) stated that it is the government’s firm conviction that those who commit such heinous acts and bring opprobrium upon and dishonour to the country will never be excused. He added that such persons will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring the proper investigation into and prosecution of offenders within the legal framework.

The killings of the 5 students followed an explosion in which 5 Sri Lanka Army personnel lost their lives. They were traveling along the A9 highway towards the Kokilai Army Camp when they were killed when the truck in which they were traveling was blasted by the explosion. The explosion, which cost these officers their lives, occurred opposite the Agricultural college premises. Investigations revealed that, soon thereafter, a group of persons had arrived at the College, assaulted the students and shot at them.

After initial investigations by the Vavuniya Police, the Criminal Investigation Department took over investigations two days after the killing. A police constable and an army corporal were arrested and produced before the Vavuniya Magistrate after the investigations. The Police constable was identified in a line up conducted in January. Subsequently, after thorough inquiry the Attorney – General has decided to forward and indictment to the relevant High Court.

Minister Samarasinghe invited persons who have witnessed any such incidents or have knowledge thereof to come forward and assist the law enforcement authorities. He added that, if relevant information was forthcoming, the government could take steps under the law to ensure that suspects could be prosecuted and convicted for their crimes.

Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights
Colombo

05 July 2007