KDU lecturer released on bail after false statements on ISIS arrests

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Dr. Punsara Amarasinghe, a lecturer at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), who was arrested for making false statements to the media regarding the ISIS members arrested in India, has been released on bail.   
Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said the lecturer was arrested on Tuesday after being summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department to record a statement over remarks he had made during a TV programme.  On May 20, four Sri Lankans were arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad at Ahmedabad Airport on suspicion of having ISIS links. 

The lecturer recently claimed in media interviews that the report of the Commission on the Easter Sunday bomb attacks had recommended these men for rehabilitation.   
However, when questioned by the CID, the lecturer admitted to being unaware of the relevant details, thus leading to his arrest. He was released after being produced in the Fort Magistrate’s Court.   
Meanwhile, the police arrested two more individuals in Bangadeniya, Chilaw for their alleged connections with the ISIS members who were arrested in India.   
Police said the suspects, who are brothers, had reportedly been in contact with the 44-year-old suspect who was arrested by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) last week for having links to the ISIS suspects detained in Ahmedabad, India.   
Police suspect that the arrested brothers and the suspect arrested by the TID are relatives.   
Meanwhile, investigations are still underway to arrest an individual by the name of Osmand Gerrard, who reportedly acted as a handler of the four Sri Lankan men who were arrested in India, for suspected links with ISIS.   
Police recently released a photograph of the suspect, the 46-year-old resident of Dematagoda, and announced a cash award of Rs. 2 Million for any credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspect.   
Police said the wanted suspect Osmand Gerrard often changes his appearance, and detectives suspect these are some of the appearances he may be using now.   
Meanwhile, in the wake of the arrest of several individuals related to the arrested suspect in India, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) is preparing to visit Sri Lanka to further investigate the arrest of four ISIS terrorists at Ahmedabad airport.