Central Bank bond, Easter Sunday attack probes will be expedited – Minister

Investigations into the Central Bank bond scam and the Easter Sunday attacks have already commenced, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information yesterday (1), the Minister noted that the decision to expedite these investigations was made due to their urgency.

The Minister also stated that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, whose Presidential immunity has now ended, may be required to answer before the law. He further emphasised that legal action would be taken against corrupt officials, although no steps would be taken during the election period.

Minister Herath added, “some police officers have been accused of corruption and that is true. However, we cannot name them right away. The allegations need to be properly examined and identified according to legal procedures. Nevertheless, this is not the time to make decisions about such police officers during an election period. After the new government is appointed, we are ready to take disciplinary action.”

The Minister elaborated on several investigations, including those on the Easter Sunday attacks and the Central Bank bond scam, which have already begun. Preliminary measures have been taken, and several decisions were made by the police.

Former politicians have been provided with police security unlawfully, he claimed, adding, “Legally, only two police officers are assigned for security during the tenure of a Member of Parliament, but many individuals, who are no longer MPs and have maintained political affiliations, have been holding onto police security. This has gone beyond just providing security and police officers were even working in their homes. This needs to change,” he said.

He confirmed that over 1,100 security personnel have already been recalled, along with vehicles that were in unauthorised use. The Minister also addressed unnecessary actions taken by police officers in certain areas, particularly affecting those involved in the gem industry in Ratnapura, denying that he had issued personal orders to that effect. Minister Herath concluded by stating that the government does not wish to be placed in difficulty by political conspiracies, instructing all officials to immediately halt such activities if they are occurring.

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