Maithri’s Private Secretary, three Auxiliary Bishops warned on media statements

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks today warned former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Private Secretary Sameera De Silva, and three Auxiliary Bishops to not to issue press statements in future obstructing Commission's proceedings.

The Commissioners highlighted that according to Article 105 (3) of the Constitution the power of the Court of Appeal shall include the power to punish for contempt of any other court, tribunal or institution referred to in paragraph (1) (c) of the same article.

The Commissioners further added it had been informed in writing to the former President that he will be summoned to the Commission in a future date and he has the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses who testified before the Commission.

The Commission had also warned three Auxiliary Bishops Maxwell Silva, Anton Ranjith, and J.D. Anthony Jayakody to not to issue press statements on behalf Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith by obstructing the Commission's proceedings.

Meanwhile, former President Maithripala Sirisena's Private Secretary Sameera De Silva and Auxiliary Bishop Maxwell Silva appeared before the Commission when delivering the order. (Yoshitha Perera)

Pix by Kithsiri de Mel