Former Navy Commander Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne has been granted bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court in a case linked to the 2008 abduction and disappearance of 11 youths in Colombo and surrounding areas, Ada Derana reported.
Wijegunaratne faces allegations that he assisted a suspect who was in hiding in connection with the abductions. He was earlier named a suspect in the long-running case, which concerns the enforced disappearance of young men allegedly held for ransom by a navy-linked group.
The so-called “Navy 11” case is one of the most prominent enforced-disappearance investigations in Sri Lanka, and has been closely followed by families of the victims and human rights groups who have pressed for accountability over the years.
The grant of bail allows Wijegunaratne to remain free while the case proceeds, subject to conditions set by the court. The former navy chief, who once held the country’s top military coordination post, has consistently featured in the proceedings as investigators pursue those alleged to have shielded suspects.
The case is expected to continue as the court examines the evidence against the various accused.
