The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has granted permission for former Defence Secretary and former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to provide evidence online in the case concerning the disappearance of Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganandan in 2011.

The case relates to the disappearance of the two activists in Achchuveli, Jaffna, on 9 December 2011, while they were reportedly involved in organising a media briefing for families of missing persons.

Rajapaksa had previously raised concerns over his personal security, arguing that appearing physically in Jaffna could expose him to potential threats, and had sought legal relief through the Court of Appeal.

Following his petition, earlier court orders had restricted his physical appearance, and proceedings involving him were later impacted by presidential immunity during his tenure as head of state.

After considering his current status as a witness rather than a suspect, the Magistrate’s Court approved his request to give evidence virtually, and the case is scheduled to be revisited on 19 June to finalise the online testimony arrangements.