What Action Will the President Take on Somaratne Rajapakse? Asks Sarath Weerasekara

05-Aug-2025

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Former Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara has questioned the course of action that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake intends to take in light of the letter sent by S.C. Wijewikrama, the wife of convicted soldier Somaratne Rajapakse. 

Weerasekara emphasized that Rajapakse was sentenced to death through a legal process upheld by the High Court, and reopening the case via a Presidential Commission could lead to a politically complicated situation.

He criticized the internationalization of the matter, suggesting that Sri Lanka’s internal justice system should be exhausted before resorting to international mechanisms. 

Weerasekara stated that although the letter makes numerous allegations, the judicial process had been followed correctly, and the penalty was imposed according to the evidence presented. He warned against setting a precedent where such cases are reopened under international pressure, especially as a UN Human Rights Council session approaches.