Date : 22/02/2024
Case number : HC(TAB) 2972/21
Brief update: The subject case was taken up before the Trial at Bar for the evidence of the 41st witness (witness No : 2196 ), the 42nd witness (witness No : 1430) and the 43rd witness (witness No : 1102). The 23rd accused is not present in the court as he is taking medicine in the prison hospital. However, his lawyer represented him. The court ordered that he does not need to come to the court in person until he recovers but his lawyer needs to represent him in the court. The State Counsel informed the court that the witness No. 1058 is unable to appear before the court as he had to attend for an urgent matter. The witness No. 2196 is a front office supervisor at Cinnamon Grand Hotel. The bomber had a discussion with the witness about the facilities of the hotel room four days before the bomb blast. Relevant CCTV footage that was already marked showed to the witness. Lawyers of the accused informed the court that they do not intend to cross examine. The witness No. 1430 was a Chief Engineer in Cinnamon Grand Hotel at the time of the bomb blast. The witness participated in estimating the damage of structure and equipment of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel after the bomb blast. Relevant documents were shown to the witness and marked. Counsels for the 1st, 10th, 22nd, 24th and 13th accused cross examined the witness and the witness was not re-examined. The witness No. 1102 is a driver. The witness had drove the bomber from Katunayake Airport to Dematagoda. Relevant CCTV footages were shown to the witness and marked. The evidence in chief of the witness was not concluded. The Court was adjourned for a while due to a sudden illness of the 15th accused. The 15th accused was sent back to the prison. The court ordered the Prison authority to submit a report if the 15th accused is unable to come before the court on the next trial date. Witness No. 1102, witness No. 1103 and witness No. 1109 were advised to be present before the court on the 27th February 2024. The court issued summons to witness No. 1058 and witness No. 1152 to be present before the court on the 27th February 2024. Next dates: The case will be taken up on the 27th, 28th and 29th of February 2024 at 1.00 p.m for further trial.
