THREE-MEMBER COMMITTEE QUESTIONS IGP FOR 3 HOURS

The three-member committee that was appointed to investigate into the allegation that IGP Pujith Jayasundara had received Rs. 20.2 million from the former Principal of the Kandy Trinity College questioned the Police Chief for three hours and recorded a statement.

He was extensively questioned on the allegation, Deputy Minister of Public Administration, Management and Law and Order Nalin Bandara Jayamaha said during a media briefing at the UNP Headquarters, Sirikotha in Pitakotte. Minister of Public Administration, Management and Law and Order Ranjith Madduma Bandara had appointed this committee which comprised three special grade officers of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service - Mala Basnayake, W.a.dharmasiri and Director of Combined Service Aloka Bandara. The Deputy Minister said further action with regard to the IGP would be taken after the Minister received the report of the committee.

The committee probing allegations against IGP Pujith Jayasundara will complete the investigation as soon as possible, Deputy Minister of Law and Order, Nalin Bandara Jayamaha told a news briefing yesterday.

Responding to a question asked by journalists as to when investigations would be completed, he said he cannot give a time frame but it would not be delayed for any reason. Referring to a statement made by an Indian about a plot to assassinate former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the deputy minister said the Indian’s family members had said the man was suffering from a mental illness as a result of an accident .

He also referred to the alleged plot to kill President Maithripala Sirisena and former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and said Mr. Rajapaksa had stated that he was satisfied with the security provided. “Government spends Rs.3.5 million a day for former defence secretary’s security,” the deputy minister said.

He said the investigations were being carried out by the CID without any political interference. He said DIG Nalaka de Silva and others would be remanded if the Judiciary decides it was necessary.

Mr. Jayamaha also dismissed claims that the sniper rifle belonging to the police had disappeared.