Former Defence Secretary, IGP to be arrested!

The former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and IGP Pujith Jayasundara is scheduled to be arrested over the April 21st Easter Sunday Bombings on charges of failing to take appropriate action regarding the intelligence information provided to them by the Intelligence units, according to government internal sources.

President’s Counsel UNP-MP Wijayadasa Rajapaksa had lodged complaints with the Police relief centre, Kotahena, Colpetty, Colombo Fort, Katana and Batticaloa police stations, claiming that the Defence Secretary and the IGP should be held responsible for the loss of life and property and the injuries caused to the people as a result of the Easter Sunday bombings.

These complaints were lodged together with a copy of the letter sent by him to the President urging him to enforce the law against those who should be held responsible for the Easter Sunday bombings.

President’s allegation!

Meanwhile, President Sirisena had visited the Defence Ministry yesterday (30) and expressing his views regarding the Easter Sunday bombings, he criticised the actions of the former Defence Secretary and the IGP.

He stated that no sooner he receives the report by the Special Presidential Commission appointed by him, measures would be taken to implement the law against them.

Hemasiri, Pujitha before the Commission:

The Special Presidential Commission had already summoned the former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, IGP Pujith Jayasundara who has been sent on compulsory leave and several others and recorded their statements regarding the Easter Sunday incidents.

The members appointed to the Special Presidential Commission are the former Supreme Court Judge Vijith K. Malalgoda (Chairman), Retired IGP N.K. Illangakoon and Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order Padmasiri Jayamanna.

It is reported that both Hemasiri Fernando and Pujith Jayasundara had claimed innocence before the Commission and had explained the action taken by them upon receiving the intelligence reports. They had pointed out that it is customary for such intelligence reports to be handed over to the President prior to being released. 
The Special Commission is scheduled to record statements from a number of parties and a newspaper notice was published in this regard on April 25.

The President’s Media Unit stated that if any individual or organisation wishes to forward any statement or views to the Commission, provisions have been made for them to do so.