128th Day of the Main Easter Attack Trial – HC (TAB) 2972/21
Date: 12th January 2026|
Venue: Special Trial-at-Bar, Colombo 07
The case was taken up before the Trial-at-Bar with all accused present, except for the 17th accused, who had passed away. All parties were represented.The counsel appearing on behalf of the 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 23rd accused, informed court that he is unable to continue providing legal representation for the said accused. He further stated that he would continue to represent the 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 9th, and 23rd accused only until the conclusion of the voir dire of the 8th accused, after which he would no longer appear for them.
The counsel appearing on behalf of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 16th, 19th, and 20th accused, informed court that he is unable to continue providing legal representation for the said accused. He further stated that he would continue to represent the 4th, 5th, 6th, 16th, 19th, and 20th accused only until the filing of the written submissions relating to the voir dire of the 5th accused, after which he would cease to appear for them.
The counsel appearing on behalf of the 1st, 10th, 11th, 15th, 18th, 21st, 22nd, 24th, and 25th accused, informed court that he is unable to continue providing legal representation for the said accused and that he intends to file a motion in that regard.
Today, PW 2095, Assistant Superintendent of Police Wijitha Perera attached to the CID SIU Unit 2, was cross-examined by the counsel on behalf of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 16th, 19th, and 20th accused, while the counsel informed court that he had no cross-examination on behalf of the 12th, 13th and 14th accused.
The Prosecution informed court that, in terms of Section 16(2) of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979, if the defense object that the statement made by the 8th accused under Section 16(1) was given before an officer above the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, the burden of proving such contention would fall upon the defense, accordingly, the Prosecution would call upon the defense to proceed with the case. Pursuant thereto, the Counsel commenced the examination-in-chief on behalf of the 8th accused.
The matter was fixed to be called again on 13th January 2026 at 9.30 a.m. for further trial.
