146th Day of the Main Easter Attack Trial – HC (TAB) 2972/21
Date: 25th February 2026|
Venue: Special Trial-at-Bar, Colombo 07
Today was for further cross examination of the witness No. 1773- retired SSP Ajith Kavinda Piyasekara. During the cross-examination of SSP Kavinda Piyasekara, the defence highlighted alleged procedural irregularities and credibility concerns. The 4th accused was produced before the JMO on 04.10.2020 without a recorded reason, and the confessional statement (E1) bore signatures only on the fifth page, preceded by a journal entry with blank lines that were not struck off. The witness stated there is no procedure within the Criminal Investigation Department to cancel unused spaces, while the defence suggested this could permit later additions. It was also alleged that the accused was repeatedly brought to the witness’s office without voluntarily giving any statement and that related documents were fabricated; these suggestions were denied.
Further cross-examination by the 1st, 3rd, and 5th accused questioned the voluntariness and legality of the statements, the absence of signatures on each page of E1, and compliance with the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, including the opportunity for the accused to read and verify statements. It was suggested that if injustice could occur even within the police system, an accused in custody would be more vulnerable. The witness denied all allegations. Overall, the cross-examination focused on alleged non-compliance with procedure, authenticity of records, and voluntariness of the accused’s statements. The trial was adjourned for the following day ( 26/02/2026) at 10.00 a.m
