Special Presidential Commission Urged to Probe Killings of Journalists: Rauff Hakeem

03-Mar-2026

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Rauff Hakeem, Leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and Member of Parliament, has called for the establishment of a Special Presidential Commission to investigate the killings and enforced disappearances of journalists across the country.

He made the call while addressing the same commemorative event in Colombo.

Hakeem noted that numerous journalists have been killed or forcibly disappeared nationwide over the years. He stressed that a dedicated presidential commission is necessary to conduct thorough investigations and ensure justice. “Only through such a mechanism can many hidden truths be brought to light,” he said.

Reflecting on the late Bharathi Rajanayagam, Hakeem described him as a principled and socially responsible journalist. While acknowledging that both journalists and politicians sometimes face situations requiring compromise, he said Rajanayagam made constructive compromises in the interest of the Tamil community without surrendering his principles.

He cited Rajanayagam’s role in resolving disputes during the acquisition of the Dinakkural newspaper by Express Newspapers Ceylon (Private) Limited, publishers of Virakesari, as an example of his constructive engagement. As a result, two major newspapers continue to represent the Tamil community today.

Hakeem also pointed out that while investigations into the masterminds behind the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks are ongoing, past crimes against journalists must not be forgotten. He reiterated the need for a Special Presidential Commission to investigate those cases and deliver justice.