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Easter attacks: State alleges probe sabotage; Salley granted time for statement
View(s):The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Fort Magistrate’s Court this week of the progress in the probe into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Investigators said they are continuing the inquiry despite several challenges, including intimidation of witnesses.
When the case involving the former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief, Maj Gen. (retired) Suresh Salley, was taken up for hearing on Wednesday, the CID told the court that the one-time spy chief was among the main suspects.
Assuring the court that masterminds behind the heinous attacks would be brought before justice before the attacks’ eighth anniversary next year, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Dileepa Peiris alleged that some security forces elements were trying to derail investigations.
Mr Salley was brought to court under heavy security. During the proceedings, his counsel told the court that Mr Salley wished to make a statement before the magistrate.
The magistrate said that, in keeping with court procedure, his court would grant Mr Salley one month to decide whether he intends to make a statement.
The ex-Chief of SIS was further remanded until May 20.
Meanwhile, a move by former Inspector General (IGP) of Police Pujith Jayasundara to include new details in his dock statement was turned down by the Colombo Special High Court Trial-at-Bar probing Easter Sunday attacks on Friday.
His lawyer informed the court that his client unintentionally left out two important matters from his statement submitted to the court and urged the court to allow them to be presented.
The ruling was delivered by the three-judge bench headed by Justice Priyantha Liyanage.
Mr Jayasundara is charged with criminal negligence for failing to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks despite prior intelligence warnings.
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