141th Day of the Main Easter Attack Trial – HC (TAB) 2972/21
Date: 13th February 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 10th and 17th accused.
Today the Colombo Remand Prison submitted a letter stating that the 10th accused had fallen ill and had been admitted to the prison hospital. However, the Court found that the letter was insufficient to understand his condition, observing that it did not even specify the nature of the illness. The Prosecution submitted that the accused was receiving treatment at the prison hospital and that any concerns regarding his condition could be addressed within the prison authorities. The Court responded that this was not merely an internal administrative matter; since the accused is being held in remand, the Court bears responsibility for him and must be aware of his health condition. Accordingly, the Court ordered the Officer-in-Charge of the prison hospital to submit a detailed medical report directly to the Court before 2.00 p.m. today. The Court further directed that the accused be produced before the Chief Judicial Medical Officer, Colombo during the day and that the Medico-Legal Report be submitted directly to the Court before 3.30 p.m.
The Counsel appearing for the 12th and 13th accused informed the Court that they were facing difficulties in receiving their medication, stating that they had been missing their daily doses because they must be present in court before 10.00 a.m., which is the time the prison doctor issues prescribed medication. Subsequently, several accused raised their hands and informed the Court that they were not receiving proper medication, explaining that the prison doctor visits only at 10.00 a.m. and that the officer on night duty does not properly examine them or dispense medication. They further stated that because they are required to be present in court at that time, they are unable to receive their prescribed medicine. Another accused informed the Court that the 10th accused, who was absent today, had been unwell for three days and had been unable to obtain adequate medical treatment, resulting in the deterioration of his condition. In response, the officer from the CRP informed the Court that the matter would be looked into and that necessary instructions would be issued to ensure proper medical care.
Thereafter, one accused raised a concern that his uncle had come to obtain certified copies of the proceedings but had been denied entry to the court premises, and he requested that at least one family member per accused be permitted to attend and observe the trial proceedings. The Prosecution acknowledged that the proceedings were public but expressed concerns regarding security. The Court reiterated that these were open court proceedings and observed that the only practical limitation was the lack of space, indicating that arrangements could be made, including the provision of additional seating. The Court further inquired whether anyone who had previously attended court had been turned away, and in response one accused stated that such an incident had occurred. The Court also inquired from members of the media present whether they had heard of anyone being denied entry, and they responded in the negative. The Court stated that since this was an open court, it would consult with the security authorities and issue a decision on the matter. Meanwhile, Ruki Fernando, a human rights activist connected to the aggrived party was turned away around 10.15am, and that this was brought to notice of the Court staff by the counsel for the aggreived party after the proceedings when she came to know about it.
The matter was fixed to be called again on 16th February 2026 at 10.00 a.m. for further trial.
