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 Kumarapperumaappearing for the suspect had requested to discharge the suspect from all allegations. He stated that the charges against the suspect, 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 was 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 and has 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 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 content 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. Thereafter, the Government of India has requested the Government of Sri Lankan to strengthen the security of the Indian High Commission in Colomb, 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 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).
