CID to check CCTV data and record statements

Closed Circuit TV recordings are to be checked by CID detectives to find out who was present and what took place at Temple Trees before dawn on January 9 when an alleged conspiracy was hatched to suspend the announcement of the Presidential election results.

The detectives will also obtain telephone records of those present at that time as part of the probe.

The investigations follow a complaint by Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera on Wednesday to the CID.

The probe has got underway after the Police sought advice from the Attorney General to go ahead with it.

“The investigation plans are being drawn up. We hope to record the statements of the persons named in the complaint,” a senior police officer said. “The statements are expected to be recorded in the coming week.”

Mr. Samaraweera in his complaint alleged that there was a conspiracy hatched at Temple Trees to suspend the counting of votes in the presidential election and impose a state of emergency.He said that besides former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris, Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila and Chief Justice Mohan Peiris were present.

Mr. Samaraweera claimed that the plot had been to use a particular regiment of the Army to surround the counting centres and the Elections Commissioner’s office.

He said that the Attorney General had also been consulted, but the AG had said the move was illegal. ‘The conspiracy was averted because of the Inspector General of Police, the Army Commander and the Attorney General,” he added.

Army Spokesman Ruwan Wanigasuriya told the Sunday Times yesterday that the Army would fully cooperate with the investigations. “If required, the Army Commander too will give his statement,” he added.