Court orders to produce 'Podi Lassie' on 25th Sept. & increase security at court premises

Galle Chief Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela ordered for detectives to visit the Boossa Prison and obtain a statement from 'Podi Lassie'.

The order was made following a presentation of facts by the Attorney General's Department and the Criminal Investigations Department on criminals 'Podi Lassie' & 'Kosgoda Tharaka' who openly threatened the President, Defence Secretary, and several Senior Ranks of the Department of Prisons with death.

Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the court that on the 26th of June 2020, several Senior Prison Officers including Prison Commissioners had visited the Boossa Prison after several inmates launched a hunger-strike citing they receive inadequate facilities in prison.

During the visit the criminal known as 'Podi Lassie' had openly threatened to kill the prison officers who were present, the Boossa Prison Superintendent, the President, Defence Secretary, and their families, said Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris.

The DSG said it is a serious issue when those who are detained on court orders use criminal power and openly threaten state officials, and went on to note many statements were recorded as evidence.

Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris told the court, the criminals had planned from within prison walls to assassinate their rivals in bomb attacks, when their rivals are escorted to the prison.

The DSG said the level of confidence maintained by these criminals should be investigated and added that it was observed certain prison officers pay reverence to the cells of these criminals while other prison officers do so in their thoughts.

Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris told the court, Dharma Keerthige Tharaka Perera Wijesekera alias 'Kosgoda Tharaka' is currently detained by the Criminal Investigations Department on detention orders for a plethora of crimes including weapons possession and drug trafficking.

The DSG said he hopes to file indictments with the High Court against 'Podi Lassie', held at the Boossa Prison.

The Galle Chief Magistrate ordered for a statement to be recorded from 'Podi Lassie' at the Boossa Prison, produce him in court on the 25th of September and increase security in court on that day.