AG drops Sisira as a prosecution witness

The Attorney General informed the Colombo High Court today he has decided not to call former National Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis as a prosecution witness. Sisira Mendia was present in the Courthouse as a witness in the case filed against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando., relating to the Easter Sunday bomb attack. The Attorney General earlier named former National Intelligence Chief Sisira Mendis as the third prosecution witnesses in this case. However, Deputy Solicitor General Sudharshana de Silva appearing for the Attorney General, informed the court that the prosecution is not expecting to record the evidence of Sisira Mendis. High Court Trial-at-Bar bench comprising High Court Judges Namal Balalle, Adithya Patabendige and Mohamed Ishadeen ordered to release Sisira Mendis accordingly and fixed the case for further trial on January 18. The Attorney General filed indictments consisting of 855 charges against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former IGP Pujith Jayasundara. The two former top officials are accused of failing to take measures to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks despite having prior knowledge of the attack.