Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Monday, 17 May 2021 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Asiri Fernando
Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sarath Weerasekara yesterday called for a report on the status of the Easter Sunday Bombings investigations from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The Minister’s calls for a report follows claims by Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera that he is unable to take action against conspirators of the attacks due to incomplete investigations.
Attorney General de Livera last weekend informed the public that he was not in a position to file charges or indictments against the conspirators of and abettors to the Easter Sunday attacks (April 2019) during his tenure in office, as the CID investigations into the bombings were incomplete.
However, MP Weerasekara told the Daily FT that the CID and AG’s department had been working closely regarding the investigations for some time.
“We (Police) had handed over eight files regarding 32 suspects several months ago to the AG to file indictments. The AG had told us he was awaiting the report from the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to file indictments. That report, too, has been available for two months. We do not know which suspects he is referring to. I have asked the CID for a report on it. I will know tomorrow,” MP Weerasekara said, adding that those responsible will be brought to book.
Responding to a question, MP Weerasekara stressed that even though the current AG was retiring, the legal process will continue with the AG’s Department, along with the cooperation of the CID. “The process will continue. We also want to bring those behind these attacks to book as soon as possible. The duties of the Police in the matter are mostly complete. The AG claims that the Police investigations are incomplete. I have called for a report and will address the matter once I have read the report,” Weerasekara stressed.
