Ex-SL Prez to give statement on Easter Sunday attacks

Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is slated to give a statement on the April 2019 Easter Sunday attacks on Tuesday and Wednesday, Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris told the Colombo Chief Magistrate on Monday.

Peiris, appearing for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), made the remark when the case regarding the attacks was taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage, reports the Colombo Page newspaper.

Meanwhile, the Colombo Magistrate's Court ordered to further remand former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and suspended IGP Pujith Jayasundara until January 22.

The two former top officials have been accused of failing to take measures to prevent the attacks, that targeted  three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo and killed over 250 people, despite having prior knowledge.

They are remanded on charges of criminal negligence and murder.

While reporting on the progress of the investigations, Peiris said that statements by former Ministers Rishad Bathiudeen and Ruwan Wijewardene have already been recorded.

He also said that the statements of Azath Salley and MLAM Hizbullah will also be taken.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has not yet given a date.