139th Day of the Main Easter Attack Trial – HC (TAB) 2972/21
Date: 11th February 2026|
Venue: Special Trial-at-Bar, Colombo 07
The Court proceedings commenced at 10.00 a.m. On behalf of the 12th and 13th Accused, Mr. Lakshan Perera appeared, while all other counsels, except those for the 12th and 13th Accused, had resigned from the case. Accused Nos. 5 and 15 have not yet retained legal representation but were informed of their rights, guided on self-cross-examination, allowed to take notes, and provided access to the Evidence Ordinance, Criminal Procedure Code, and the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Also they were given stationaries to note down any necessary notes. Proceedings were recorded in both Sinhala and Tamil for the benefit of all Accused. Witness 2114, Magistrate of Mawanella – Justice Upul Rajakaruna, was called today to mark the quotations from confessional statements of the 15th Accused and the 5th accused. The Statement of the 15th accused was marked as P174 (C1,26.09.2019), P178 (C2A, 18.10.2019), and P176 (C3, 15.11.2019), with quotations 4 from P174, 11 from P178, and 5 from P176. Those 3 marking are the same statement of 15th accused given at 3 days. At cross-examination, the 15th Accused argued that he was not informed of the two legal methods for recording statements: one under CPC 127(1) , and the other under PTA Sec 16(1)/8. He further contended that the witness did not follow the procedure required under CPC Sections 127(3) and 277(2) and questioned how it was decided whether in which manner the statement of the accused is taken. No re-examination was conducted. After that started the marking of quotations of the confessional statement of the 5th Accused which was marked P170, which had previously been marked V1 during the interim (voire dire) inquiry of the 5th accused and document P170 (05.09.2019, 9 pages) was marked with fifteen quotations. The 5th Accused cross-examined the witness on procedural irregularities, questioning whether the statement was properly recorded, the distinction between confessional and other statements, and compliance with CPC 127(1), 127(3), and 277(2). No re-examination was conducted. ASP Kaavinda Piyasekara was summoned, and the learned Counsel Amaranath Rajakaruna was present and available to represent any Accused. The accused will confirm if they wish to retain him. The next date of hearing is scheduled for the voir dire inquiry of the 4th Accused at 11.00 a.m. on 12th February 2026.
Next date: 12 February 2026
