Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Dileepa Peiris has suggested that indictments be filed before separate three-judge trial-at-bars once investigations into two major cases involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon are concluded, Sunday Times Newspaper reports.
According to the report the proposal was made during a senior-level meeting attended by officials from the Attorney General’s Department and the Police. Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe and Police Chief Priyantha Weerasooriya were among those present. The recommendation was based on the high offices previously held by the two suspects.
The cases concern allegations of state fund misuse during a visit by former President Wickremesinghe to the United Kingdom for his wife’s doctoral graduation, and the shooting incident at the W15 Hotel in Weligama linked to former IGP Tennakoon.
Officials noted that investigations in both matters are still ongoing. The Attorney General stated that a final decision on proceeding with trial-at-bars would be made after receiving full reports and recommendations once investigations are completed.
Regarding the W15 Hotel shooting, the Attorney General directed Deputy Solicitor General Yuhan Abeywickrama, who oversees the investigation, to take necessary legal steps before December 31, as inquiries are nearing completion. He also instructed that action to file charges against eight police officers, including Mr Tennakoon, be fast-tracked. A proposal to turn some suspects into witnesses was rejected.
Progress in the investigation involving former President Wickremesinghe was also reviewed. Earlier, a lengthy discussion had taken place between officers of the Attorney General’s Department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). That meeting examined, among other matters, the conduct of former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake and whether his actions amounted to an offence or assistance in committing one.
Senior State Counsel Samadari Piyasena has been asked to submit her independent assessment on further steps regarding Mr Ekanayake by January 28. A decision on whether to name him as a suspect will be taken after considering her observations.
