Keerthi Ratnayake, a defence and political analyst attached to Lanka e-News was today ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
Ratnayake was arrested for allegedly giving information to the Indian Embassy in Colombo concerning a possible terrorist attack. Colombo Fort Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage ordered the release of the suspect on a surety bail of Rs.50,000.
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 due to insufficient evidence.
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 the 15th of August 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 the 12th of August 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 and to the Government of India and thereafter, the Government of India has requested the Government of Sri Lankan 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 the 14th of August 2021. Keerthi Ratnayake had visited the Kollupitiya Police Station on the 14th of August 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 the 17th of August he was informed that a Detention Order was issued by the President under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
