181st Day of the Main Easter Attack Trial – HC (TAB) 2972/21
Date: 05th May 2026|
Venue: Special Permanent Three-Judge High Court (Trial-at-Bar), 2nd Floor, MCC Building, Adhikarana Mawatha, Colombo 12.
At the commencement of proceedings, the 13th Accused was not present before the Court as he had been granted permission for medical treatment. However, he was duly represented by his Attorney-at-Law and proceedings continued in his absence.
The Court proceeded with the testimony of the Prosecution Witness No. 10 (PW10) OIC Janaka Marasinghe. In further examination-in-chief, PW10 stated that he had never obtained any signature forcibly. He referred to Fundamental Rights Application No. SC/FR/405/2018 and stated that he had paid Rs. 75,000 on the basis of vicarious liability. He further stated that no other Fundamental Rights cases had been filed against him.
PW10 was cross-examined by the 9th Accused himself. It was suggested that his evidence was false and that the documents L1 were fabricated. Allegations were made that the 9th Accused was assaulted and forced to sign documents. PW10 denied all suggestions.
PW10 was also cross-examined by the 4th Accused and 11th Accused regarding procedures, movement of suspects, and recording of notes. It was suggested that the witness fabricated the incident and obtained signatures under duress. PW10 denied all allegations. His testimony was then concluded.
Thereafter, Prosecution Witness No. 2 (PW2), Police Constable Rohitha Ratnayake, testified. He stated that on 8th October 2020 he facilitated lunch for the 9th Accused at ASP Jayatilaka’s office and typed the statement of the 9th Accused, which was completed around 3:40 p.m. He stated that corrections were made by the 9th Accused during typing and notes were recorded in his Pocket Note Book.
PW2 was cross-examined by the 9th Accused who challenged the timeline and authenticity of the statement. He was also cross-examined by the 5th Accused regarding record keeping. PW2 denied all allegations. His evidence was concluded.
Thereafter, PW8 Sanjeewa Aruna Shantha testified that on 7th October 2020 he facilitated bringing of the 9th Accused to ASP Jayatilaka’s office and back to custody. He was cross-examined by the 9th Accused and 5th Accused. He denied all allegations and his testimony was concluded.
Thereafter, PW3 Police Sergeant Chaminda Nihal Pereira testified that he arranged production of the 9th Accused before the JMO and issued relevant forms. He stated entries were made in his notes but no entry was made regarding return of custody.
During cross-examination by the 9th Accused, discrepancies in signatures and entries were highlighted and denied. The 4th Accused also questioned him regarding signatures. The 5th accused also suggested that his improper language ( evidence given in prsent tense intead of past tense) since this kind of incident never took place in past, which was denied. The PW3 confirmed accuracy of his notes during re-examination.
At the conclusion of evidence, the prosecution informed Court that the voir dire inquiry regarding the 9th Accused was closed. Court fixed 22nd May 2026 for written submissions of both parties. The next voir dire inquiry regarding the 1st Accused was fixed, and ASP Vijitha Perera was summoned to appear on 6th May 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Next Date: 6th May 2026 at 10.00 am
