158th Day of the Main Easter Attack Trial – HC (TAB) 2972/21
Date: 17th March 2026|
Venue: Special Trial-at-Bar, Colombo 07
Today the matter was taken up for the further voir dire inquiry of the 4th Accused.The Gampola Magistrate’s Court case record No. B432/19 was called to prove the contradiction marked E2. Mr. Padmasiri Bandara, a court clerk, confirmed that a portion of the 4th accused’s statement made in open court was present in the record. The 4th and 11th accused questioned the accuracy and authenticity of the record.
Police Sergeant Chamara Taranga testified that on 4th October 2020, he was on standby duty and assisted in bringing the 4th accused to the JMO as instructed by SSP Piyasekara. During cross-examination, the 4th, 5th, and 9th accused challenged aspects of his testimony regarding duty records, custody handovers, and procedures, all of which he denied.
Police Constable Vimalasena confirmed that he took over Taranga’s duties at 4:00 p.m., received custody of the 4th accused from SSP Piyasekara, and handed him over to Upasevaya, denying allegations of misrepresentation. No further re-examination was conducted.
The court concluded the voir dire inquiry of the 4th accused. The 4th accused’s late request for EQD reports was denied. Both parties were allowed to submit written submissions, with the 4th accused granted 45 minutes for oral submissions on 30th March 2026. Accused number 23 was ordered to attend a cardiology clinic on 20th March 2026. The next hearing is scheduled for 19th March 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
