COLOMBO, 19 May 2021, (TON): Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Dr Sarath Weerasekara told Parliament on 19 May, “There are delays in filing cases against those involved in terrorism as investigations must take place strategically ensuring those accountable don’t use loopholes to evade the law.”

He said about terrorists, “If cases were filed against the suspect immediately, their talented counsel will use loopholes to secure their release. That is why there is a delay in investigations in order to cover all bases.”  

He said, “Legal action was instituted against 32 people with regard to the 21 April 2019 Attacks” and added that in Kegalle High Court cases were filed against 16 people for damaging statues in Mawanella adding that cases were filed against 16 people at the Kegalle High Court with regard to damaging statues in Mawanella. He said, in addition, cases were filed against 06 people at the Puttlam High Court with regard to the explosives dump in Wanathawilluwa, he told the house. Cases were also filed against 03 people at the Kegalle High Court for shooting a person known as Mohamed Thaslim from Mawanella, in the head, and a case was filed against a person known as Mohamed Iqsan Ahamed at the Kandy High Court for weapons training while a case was filed against another suspect at the Gampaha High Court for assisting in acts of terror.

The Former Inspector General of Police and the Former Defence Secretary are facing charges at the Colombo High Court for Criminal Negligence.

The investigations are continuing with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Department and when shortcomings are identified, measures are taken to address them, said the Public Security Minister.

Sri Lanka’s Attorney General Dappula De Livera weekend made a public announcement noting that he is not in a position to present charges or indictments against the conspirators and abettors of the 2019 April 21st Attacks during his tenure in office as the investigations carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department are incomplete.

The announcement made by State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne, the Coordinating Officer to the Attorney General on Saturday (15) said, “The CID is yet to conclude all investigations into all suspects connected to the 2019 April 21st Attacks.”

Sri Lanka was rocked by a series of deadly blasts on April 21, 2019. As many as eight blasts occurred in and around the capital Colombo, as large groups gathered at churches for Easter.

704 people were arrested over the 2019 April 21st Attacks and 203 of them are in remand custody while 84 are held on a detention order.204 suspects were enlarged on bail and 168 people were released while Indictments were prepared against 32 suspects.