132th Day of the Main Easter Attack Trial – HC (TAB) 2972/21
Date: 20th 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.
Today, PW 1509, Judicial Medical Officer K. K. Juser was called to give evidence. The professional qualifications, experience and the expertise of the witness was admitted under Section 420 of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979. The witness identified the documents marked as D2, D3, D5 and D6 and gave evidence as to the observations she made when preparing those judicial medical forms. The counsels for the accused cross-examined the witness and no re-examination was done.
Further, the prosecution marked a certified copy of the case no.HC/3421/21; MCB/B/1077/2018 which is a certified copy of Batticola Magistrate Court which is in the High Court now. The documnet was marked D8, since there was no objection from the counsels of the accused.
The voir dire inquiry was concluded and the parties were directed to file written submissions on or before 09-02-2026 and the order will be delivered on the 17-02-2026.
Since two counsels appearing for the accused has informed the court that they will not be appearing for this case, the prosecution requested the court to send written requests to the Bar Association, Legal Aid Commission and the Colombo High Court Lawyers’ Association to send the names of suitable lawyers as assigned counsels and also directed the accused to take steps to appoint counsels for them without any delay. Even though, the prosecution wanted to commence the voir dire inquiry of the 4th accused, the inquiry can not be commenced till the counsels for the accused are assigned.
The matter was fixed to be called again on 22nd January 2026 at 10.00 a.m. for calling.
