Nishara Jayaratne testifies before Easter Commission (Video)

Attorney General's Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne testified before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the Easter Sunday attack yesterday.

The interrogation of State Counsel Jayaratne carried out by Deputy Solicitor General Azad Navavi's attorney took a heated turn. Deputy Solicitor General Navavi was in charge of the Anti-Terrorism and Investigation Division.

The Anti-Terrorism and Investigation Division had referred the file regarding Zahran Hashim in 2017 seeking the Attorney General's advice. It was recently revealed that Deputy Solicitor General Azad Navavi and State Counsel Malik Aziz, who were in charge of the file until the Easter attack, did not take appropriate action.

The Attorney General's Coordinating Officer was summoned to the Commission yesterday afternoon at the request of Deputy Solicitor General Azad Navavi's attorney to inquire about a press release prepared based on a letter sent by the Attorney General to the then Acting Inspector General of Police on June 18, 2019.

Testifying Jayaratne stated that the purpose of issuing the press release was not to inform the media about the letter sent to the then Acting Inspector General of Police but to correct a false allegation made by Ven. Magalkande Sudaththa Thero regarding the file regarding Zahran. Jayaratne further stated that the intention of the media release was not to point out whether proper action was taken regarding the file by the two AG's Department officials.

Shavindra Fernando, PC, representing Deputy Solicitor General Azad Navavi, then had the opportunity to cross-examine witness Nishara Jayaratne.

Then, Jayaratne sought another day to testify, stating that she has to obtain legal assistance as well. Accordingly, the hearing was adjourned until 21 December.

Meanwhile, Namal Kumara, who revealed the details of a conspiracy to assassinate the President, was summoned to testify before the Presidential Commission and the hearing will not be open to the media. Also, Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen, who has been accused of performing sterilization operations, is scheduled to appear before the Presidential Commission investigating the Easter Sunday attack this afternoon.