Former Sri Lankan President, Maithripala Sirisena, has reportedly paid Rs. 15 million ($76,260) in compensation to the fund for the victims of the Easter Sunday attack.
In a motion submitted to the Supreme Court through his lawyers, Sirisena cited his monthly pension of Rs. 97,500 ($500) and MP salary of Rs. 54,285 ($278) as of June 2021. The court ordered Sirisena in January to pay Rs. 100 million ($512,410) for not taking adequate steps to prevent the terrorist attack that killed over 250 people in April 21st 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.
The former president also requested to pay the remaining compensation in 10 installments of Rs. 8.5 million ($43,853) each, from 30th June 2024 to 30th June 2033.
The Supreme Court ordered three other officials, including the former Defence Secretary, to pay compensation. Hemasiri Fernando was ordered to pay Rs. 50 million ($256,205), and Nilantha Jayawardena, the former head of the State Intelligence Service, was ordered to pay Rs. 75 million ($384,615). Jayawardena has paid Rs. 4.1 million ($21,090) in compensation. Former National Intelligence Chief, Sisira Mendis, who was also ordered to pay compensation, has not yet paid.
The court ordered payment of compensation within six months from the date of the verdict. The government also paid Rs. 1 million ($5,124) in compensation on behalf of the administration. The motion submitted by Sirisena and the partial payment of compensation have been widely criticised, with many calling for accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
