Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake acquitted of charges related to Easter Attack

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake has been acquitted of charges connected to the Easter Sunday attack by a three-member bench appointed by the National Police Commission.      

Senior DIG Nandana Munasinghe, in charge of the Western Province at the time, along with DIGs Deshabandu Tennakoon, Lalith Pathinayake who were in charge of the Colombo District, and Nilantha Jayawardena (former head of State Intelligence) faced charges for alleged failure to prevent the Easter attack.   

While charge sheets were issued, transfers were made, and preliminary investigations initiated, the investigations were halted midway. However, the Presidential Commission appointed to investigate the Easter attack continued its proceedings, summoning these police officers to record their statements.   

On April 24 of the previous year, the Presidential Commission once again accused Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake of negligence in preventing the Easter attack, prompting a three-member panel to conduct a fresh investigation.   

Secretary of the National Police Commission, Thamara D Perera has said that a three-member bench comprising civil officials are conducting the investigations.   
According to the relevant report, Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake has been acquitted. He is currently serving as the Senior DIG in charge of Central Province.   

She said that the committee will submit the report on other officers charged over the allegations once the investigations are completed.     

While charge sheets were issued, transfers were made, and preliminary investigations initiated, the investigations were halted midway