The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on April 22 ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit a progress report on May 20 regarding ongoing investigations into former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sale and other suspects currently in custody. They were arrested over several allegations, including claims of misleading investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The order was issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara after considering submissions made by Additional Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris, appearing for the CID, and lawyers representing the suspects.
During the hearing, suspect Suresh Sale, who is being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, was produced before court under tight security.
Addressing court, Additional Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris stated that the current investigation represented a turning point in probes related to the Easter Sunday attacks. He said the seventh anniversary of the attacks had recently been marked, but vowed that authorities would not allow an eighth anniversary to pass without arrests being made. He claimed all those responsible would be arrested within this year.
He also outlined several political and criminal events from 2015 onward, alleging that intelligence operatives linked to Suresh Sale had been arrested during separate investigations involving attacks on journalists and other crimes.
Peiris further alleged that a special armed unit had been maintained to protect politicians, and claimed attempts had been made to divert investigations away from extremist leader Zahran Hashim and his group.
He also referred to the killings of two police officers in Vavunathivu, alleging that another suspect had been arrested in an effort to conceal the involvement of Zahran Hashim’s group and to suggest links to the LTTE.
He additionally claimed that both extremist factions associated with Zahran Hashim and Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara had been managed by military intelligence.
Magistrate Calls for Verified Facts Only
Magistrate Neththikumara told the Additional Solicitor General that while delays had occurred in Easter attack investigations, the court was satisfied with progress so far. However, he stressed that if any witness had been threatened, the court would treat the matter seriously.
When asked whether there was direct evidence against a named officer allegedly involved in witness intimidation, Peiris admitted there was no direct evidence at present, but said further investigations were underway.
The Magistrate then emphasized that only verified facts should be presented to court, stating that accusations must be proven beyond reasonable doubt if justice is to be served.
Questions Over Asaad Maulana Statement
The Magistrate also asked about progress in obtaining a statement from Asaad Maulana, as previously ordered by court.
Peiris said Maulana currently resides in France, and authorities were attempting to record a statement via Zoom through the Sri Lankan Embassy there.
The Magistrate questioned why Maulana would hesitate to assist law enforcement if his intention was to help justice. Peiris responded that Maulana feared for his life.
Request Regarding Military Cooperation Rejected
Peiris requested the court to order the Army Commander and the head of military intelligence to cooperate with the investigation, alleging that when army officers are named as suspects, legal costs are paid from army funds and investigators do not receive support.
The Magistrate rejected the request, stating that the military is a state institution and should act with the Attorney General. If anyone acted outside court orders, contempt of court proceedings could be initiated.
Defence Rejects Allegations
Counsel Asith Siriwardena, appearing for Suresh Sale, rejected claims that his client had operated an armed unit, calling them completely false. He said Sale had been overseas during the relevant period and only became Director of Military Intelligence in 2011.
He also dismissed allegations made by Asaad Maulana, claiming they were fabricated to obtain political asylum abroad.
The defence requested that the investigation be transferred away from the supervision of CID Director Shani Abeysekara to another police investigative unit, and said a written submission containing six points would be filed.
The Magistrate said he had previously ruled on requests to transfer the probe, but would review the written submissions before issuing a further order.
The case was postponed until May 20, when the CID must report on the progress of investigations.
The court also permitted Suresh Sale to remain in CID custody under detention orders.
Court Notes Concerns Over Book Publication
During proceedings, the Additional Solicitor General informed court that lawyer Udaya Gammanpila, said to be appearing for Suresh Sale, had published a book on the Easter Sunday attacks.
The Magistrate observed that only the suspect can decide who represents him legally, but noted that if a lawyer publishes a book using information obtained while representing a client, it could amount to a breach of professional ethics.
Defence counsel later stated that Gammanpila had visited his client once at the CID, but no longer represented him.
Source: BBC Sinhala
