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Cardinal alleges AG working as per politicians’ needs

16 Feb 2022

  • Cites disparity between arbitrary arrest of Easter justice activist and lack of action against Easter attacks culprits  
Colombo Archbishop His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith yesterday (15) claimed that the Attorney General (AG) was taking action against those who are demanding justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks but not prosecuting those who had been named in the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks. “We don’t expect this from the AG. He has been unsuccessful in pressing charges as per the recommendations of the findings of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks. But arrests of activists who are asking for justice for the victims of the attacks are taking place. He must remember that he is a public servant who is there to do a service to the society and to not act according to the whims and fancies of politicians,” the Archbishop observed at a press briefing held yesterday (15).  Gamage was arrested by the CID and granted bail by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court yesterday (15). The press conference was organised following the arrest of civil society activist Shehan Malaka Gamage by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on 14 February. “Fortunately, Gamage recorded a video and put it up on social media at the time of his arrest. If not for the video, we wouldn’t even know where he was. There is a proper procedure that should be followed when arresting people. Officers should come in their official clothes and inform the charges clearly. Gamage’s arrest was like an abduction. We condemn it,” said the Archbishop.  A video, recorded by Gamage and released at the time of his arrest, shows his conversation with the CID officers at the time of his arrest. When he questioned the officers as to the reason for his arrest, the video features faint audio of an officer saying that he is being arrested under Section 120 of the Penal Code (exciting or attempting to excite disaffection). Gamage further mentions that he was taken while he was on the road by officers in a white van. Further footage also features audio of people questioning how Gamage is still in possession of his phone, to which he replies that he will only hand over the phone once he signs the document to officially hand it over.  “I will face what comes,” he added.  The Archbishop added that at a time when the Government is briefing the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka, it is ridiculous to treat people in such a manner.  “We are disappointed about the Government’s oppressive actions against those who are seeking justice. The public should pay attention to these actions of the Government and respond accordingly at the correct time.”  Speaking to The Morning on 14 February, Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa said that the arrest of Gamage was made due to a statement made by the latter back in 2021 with regard to the Easter attacks. “Gamage’s arrest was made by the CID in connection to a statement he had made about the Easter attacks. He claims that he doesn’t know, but he knows very well,” claimed Thalduwa. Gamage was summoned for the recording of a statement by the CID in 2021 as well, over comments he had made regarding the Easter Sunday terror attacks.  


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