Army Commander Shavendra Silva did not take proper measures to prevent the destruction of houses and properties of ministers, members of parliament and other politicians after the inhumane attacks by a group of supporters of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna on May 9, who stormed into the Gallumuwadora Gotagogama protest site.
The Court of Appeal ordered yesterday (24th) to adjourn the petition filed by 39 persons including Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Kokila Gunawardena and Gamini Lokuge demanding a proper investigation against the respondents including the Inspector General of Police.
The three-member committee chaired by former Navy Commander Wasantha Karnagoda, appointed by former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to investigate and report whether the destruction of houses and properties of politicians and others across the country on May 9 and May 10 was due to the lack of intelligence of the security forces and state intelligence agencies. A copy of the issued recommendation report was delivered to the court yesterday (24th).
Mr Shavedra Silva who served as the acting chief of security Staff and Army commander has not rendered sufficient efforts to prevent the attacks by mobilising trained security personnel from the forces. Therefore it is recommended this should be investigated through the criminal investigation department said the attorney at law Mr Uditha Olahewa representing Mr Wasantha Karannagoda.
According to the notice issued on the previous day of the trial, lawyers appeared for all the defendants in the case.
Mr. Romeshda Silva, the President’s counsel who appeared for former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, informed the court that he expects to file written statements before the court, not written objections, on behalf of his client.
President’s Counsel Mr. Sanjeeva Jayawardena appeared on behalf of the petitioner side along with Mr. Rukshan Senadheera.
– The island
