Freelance journalist Keerthi Ratnayake further remanded till January 21

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

Keerthi Ratnayake, defence and political analyst attached to Lanka e-News arrested for allegedly giving information to the Indian Embassy in Colombo concerning a possible terrorist attack, has been further remanded till January 21 by Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Defence Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma appearing for the suspect had made a request to discharge the suspect from all allegations. He stated that the charges against his client cannot be maintained. The order regarding this request is to be delivered by Colombo Fort Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage on the next hearing date.
The suspect had been previously employed as a Flying Officer attached to the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Keerthi Ratnayake had also filed a Fundamental Rights petition challenging his arrest and the detention.
He states he received information from an Indian national who lives in India, who is having connections with the National Investigation Agency of India, that there is a possibility of having a terrorist attack to the High Commission of India in Colombo on August 15,  2021, which is the Independence Day of India.

He further states that he was terrified and shocked by the information and as a responsible person he informed the Head of the Political Division of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka, by way of a WhatsApp message on August 12, 2021. Ratnayake states that thereafter, he became aware that the concerned WhatsApp message sent to the Head of the Political Division has been reported by the Indian High Commission in Colombo to the Government of India and thereafter, the Government of India has requested the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the security of the Indian High Commission in Colombo and other consulates in Sri Lanka.
He further said two officers attached to Peradeniya Police station had visited his house and had informed his wife to notify him to report to the Kollupitiya Police station for a Police inquiry on August 14, 2021.
Keerthi Ratnayake has visited the Kollupitiya Police Station on August 14, 2021. He said he was taken to the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) and held in custody and a statement was obtained. The petitioner claims that he was arrested without informing the reason for such an arrest.

He further states that on August 17, he was informed that a Detention Order was issued by the President under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

• The suspect had been previously employed as a Flying Officer attached to the Sri Lanka Air Force