Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a highly anticipated decision, the Colombo High Court today acquitted former Minister Rajitha Senaratne and two others in the controversial white van abduction case, which had drawn widespread attention and fueled political debate over the years.
The case stemmed from allegations that Senaratne, during a media conference held in Colombo ahead of the 2019 presidential election, had made statements that prejudiced then-candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa by linking him to abductions carried out in white vans. The prosecution alleged that these remarks tarnished Rajapaksa’s campaign and influenced the electoral process.
Key Witness Not Called
Delivering the judgment, High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka stated that the prosecution had failed to present sufficient evidence to support the allegations. Notably, the judge highlighted that a key witness who could have corroborated the claims was not called to testify during the trial.
The judge also emphasized that there was no evidence presented to demonstrate that Rajapaksa’s candidacy had been prejudiced as alleged, nor was there any proof sufficient to convict the defendants.
Acquittal Without Defense Testimony
Following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, the defense had submitted a request for the acquittal of the defendants without the need for presenting their case. In his ruling, Judge Nissanka agreed, noting that the evidence on record was insufficient to warrant further proceedings.
“As the prosecution failed to substantiate its claims, the defendants are acquitted and released without the necessity of calling for a defense,” the judge declared.
Impact and Reactions
The white van case had become emblematic of allegations of enforced disappearances and human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, with the media conference in question sparking intense controversy. The acquittal of Senaratne and the others is expected to prompt varied political reactions and reignite debate over the use of such cases in the political arena.
This judgment marks the conclusion of yet another chapter in the politically charged legal battles that have played out in the aftermath of the 2019 presidential election.
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