I was asked not to attend SC meetings

Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara who was sent on compulsory leave says he did not attend the meetings of the Security Council after the 23rd of October 2018 based on the orders of President Maithripala Sirisena.

The order was issued through the then Secretary of Defence Kapila Jayampathy. >IGP Jayasundara appeared before the Parliament Select Committee appointed to probe the Easter Sunday attacks today. Recording evidence before the Committee Jayasundara said he first received information on the Easter Sunday attacks on the 9th of April and issued instructions in writing to all Police Chiefs to take necessary action.

The IGP claimed the request was made verbally as per usual procedure.

Jayasundara noted the then Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Kapila Jayampathy, when asked whether a representative should be sent to the Security Council meeting, declined the request and claimed the IGP would be informed to attend the meeting if a need arises.