Easter Attacks Investigation: New Revelations on Delays in Information Reporting

COLOMBO(News 1st) - Several previously undisclosed details are emerging during the ongoing proceedings at the Fort Magistrate’s Court in connection with the April 21st, 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, while authorities are also taking steps to ensure that relevant information is obtained without delay or obstruction.

Following recent revelations reported by Channel 4 regarding the attacks, it was claimed that Pillayan was allegedly behind the incident. A report submitted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to the Fort Magistrate’s Court on the 22nd has also disclosed several additional significant details.

As previously reported, investigation materials indicate that Professor Rohan Gunaratna had met Pillayan—who was held at Batticaloa Prison between 2015 and 2021—on three separate occasions. Earlier disclosures have also highlighted allegations of threats and intimidation faced by witnesses who provided information related to the attacks, including claims of pressure on individuals who gave both direct and indirect testimony.

The latest development concerns a high-level discussion on delays in obtaining information relevant to the investigation. A meeting was held between officials of the Attorney General’s Department and the Sri Lanka Army in relation to the ongoing case at the Fort Magistrate’s Court. The meeting was chaired by Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris and followed a telephone conversation between him and the Army Commander.

The Director of the CID and other investigating officers attended the meeting, while the Army was represented by the Director of Military Intelligence, the Provost Marshal, the Director of Legal Affairs, and three other officers. The main focus of the discussion was the delays and procedural challenges in sharing information required for the investigation.

The meeting lasted over three hours, during which it was agreed to appoint two officers each from the Attorney General’s Department and the CID to improve coordination between the institutions.

When the matter was taken up at the Colombo Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris requested a court order to facilitate access to the required information. However, the Magistrate observed that the Attorney General already holds the legal authority to obtain such information and stated that the court would not issue any ruling exceeding that power.

The Magistrate further noted that since the Army is a state institution, any refusal to provide information could constitute a criminal offense, with legal action possible accordingly.