Former President warned by CoI probing Easter attacks

Former President Maitripala Sirisena, his private secretary and the three Auxiliary Bishops were warned by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) probing into last year’s Easter attacks over public statements issued by the parties.

Former President Sirisena and his private secretary Sameera de Silva were warned over issuing media statements against remarks made by former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando at CoI sittings.

The three Auxiliary Bishops were also warned over statements issued regarding the statement made by MP Harin Fernando.

The Commission also warned that any statement that can affect the hearing of the Commission is a punishable offence. Though former President Sirisena was asked to appear before the Commission today (24), his lawyer Maitri Guneratne appeared on his behalf.

The former President’s private secretary arrived at the Commission while only one of the three Auxiliary Bishops, Rev. Maxwell Silva arrived at the Commission.