By S.S.Selvanayagam  

Fuller bench of seven-judges of the Supreme Court yesterday (2) granted Leave to Proceed in respect of the fundamental right petitions filed against Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundera and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando for the alleged failure to act on the intelligence information in respect of the Easter Sunday serial attacks on Churches and hotels on April 21, 2019. 

Bench comprising Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justices B.P.Aluvihara, Sisira J.de Abrew, Priyantha Jayawardene, Prasanna S. Jayawardene, L.T.B.Dehideniya and Murdu N.B.Fernando fixed the matter for hearing on January 20, 21 and 22 of 2020.  

Viran Corea appeared for the Respondent (IGP). Anuja Premaratne appeared for the Respondent (Former Defence Secretary).  

Attorney General Dappula de Livera with Additional Solicitor General Farzana Jameel, Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle and Senior State Counsel Induni Punchihewa appeared for the Attorney General.  

  Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC appeared for BASL.  At least 259 people had been killed, including 37 foreign nationals and three police officers, and at least 500 were injured in the said bombings up to date.