Catholic priest protest near CID office in Colombo

Catholic priests today held a protest outside the Criminal Investigations Department (CID)  as Rev Fr Cyril Gamini Fernando was called for the third day to make a statement about his comments made regarding state intelligence services.

The priests taking part in the protest said they were calling for speedy justice for the families affected by the Easter Sunday attacks.

Priests holding pictures of the Easter Sunday attack victims recited prayers as Rev Fr Cyril Gamini walked into the CID office to make his statement to the CID.

The protest was held to coincide with the questioning of the priest.

His statement was recorded for five hours today. This was in addition to the 15 hours where his statement was recorded on two days.

Hours before the priest called at the CID Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said they were only trying to gather more information to investigate the attack and they had no plans to arrest him.

The CID  called Rev Fr Gamini Fernando to make a statement after the Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General Suresh Sallay lodged a complaint that during a recent meeting via internet had alleged that the intelligence units had provided financial and other assistance to the leader of the suicide attackers.

(Pix by M A Pushpa Kumara)