Govt. initiates investigation into Easter Sunday attacks and Central Bank bond scam

Wednesday, 2 October 2024 02:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath

The Cabinet Spokesman and Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday revealed that preliminary investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks and the Central Bank Treasury bond scam have been initiated by the Ministry.

Speaking to the media after the first post-Cabinet meeting under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, he stated that legal proceedings regarding the Easter Sunday attacks and the bond scam, which was stalled for years are now moving forward with more vigour.

He noted that these cases were hindered due to various political influences under previous regimes.

“The Central Bank bond scam was stalled because of the Presidential immunity granted to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He is no longer the President and is not entitled to Presidential immunity specified in the Constitution,” Herath said, noting that the new Government now has the authority to summon Wickremesinghe to Court.

In terms of the former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, who fled the country amidst the bond scam investigation, Cabinet Spokesman stated that steps will be taken to extradite Mahendran who is currently seeking refuge in Singapore.

Mahendran reportedly left Sri Lanka under the pretence of attending a wedding.

“I think the wedding affairs should be over now and we should be able to bring him back soon,” Herath quipped.