Further hearing of petitions over failure to prevent terror attacks on Sep 3

The petitions filed against two top state officials over the failure to prevent the terrorist attacks on April 21 will be taken up for further hearing on September 3, the Supreme Court announced today (Jul 29).

A total of 12 petitions have been filed against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara over the failure to prevent the attacks despite having beforehand intelligence warnings in this regard.

During today’s hearing, lawyer Saliya Peiris appearing for three priests who had filed a petition, told court that the political authorities must be held responsible for this tragedy.

Lawyer Lakshan Dias representing another petitioner pointed out that the relevant officials had failed to act upon the warnings issued on the Easter Sunday attacks.

A seven-member judge bench headed by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya which is hearing the case, announced that the petitions would be taken up for further hearing on September 3, 4, and 5.

Attorney General Dappula de Livera, who had previously informed court that he would not appear for the respondents, appeared before court in person today.