The Attorney General yesterday informed the Court of Appeal that no decision had been taken at this stage, to arrest or detain Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police, Waruna Jayasundara, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, appearing for the Attorney General, conveyed the position during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Jayasundara seeking judicial intervention to prevent his arrest and detention.

The petition seeks an order restraining the authorities from arresting or detaining the petitioner without reasonable grounds in relation to ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks.

Following submissions made before court, the Court of Appeal directed that the matter be taken up again next Wednesday (17).

Jayasundara filed the writ petition last Wednesday (10), naming the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General and several others as respondents.

The petition seeks relief against any move to arrest or detain him under the PTA in connection with the investigations into the coordinated terrorist attacks carried out on Easter Sunday, in 2019.

Police yesterday warned that strict legal action would be taken against drivers of vehicles fitted with modified silencers that produce excessive noise on public roads, and such vehicles are liable to be taken into custody.

Head of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) W.P.J. Senadheera said motorists using altered exhaust systems would face prosecution following reports obtained from the Department of Motor Traffic.

He added that cases would be filed in court once technical assessments were completed and relevant reports secured.

DIG Senadheera warned that drivers of such vehicles would also be subjected to drug testing in future as part of wider enforcement measures aimed at curbing road safety violations that cause public nuisance.

He said there was a growing trend of individuals purchasing motorcycles for stunts and reckless riding, rather than for personal transport, with both motorcycles and three-wheelers increasingly being fitted with modified silencers.

“These modifications are causing significant public disturbance, particularly during festive periods,” he said.

The Police official warned that strict action would be enforced going forward, adding that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had directed relevant units to take necessary steps to address the issue.

Authorities said the measures come amid increasing complaints over noise pollution and unsafe riding practices linked to altered exhaust systems.

by Norman Palihawadane

Deputy Minister of Defence, retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara, chaired a special meeting at the Parliament Complex last Tuesday (09) to expedite the provision of welfare assistance to Tri-Forces and Police personnel, including members of the Special Task Force (STF), who sustained disabilities due to terrorist activities during the conflict.

The meeting reviewed measures to accelerate the implementation of a government programme aimed at addressing the long-standing welfare concerns of security forces personnel affected by terrorism.

According to the Defence Ministry, the programme was launched to identify disabled members of the Tri-Forces and Police and provide relief through a mechanism approved by the Cabinet. The initiative follows a Cabinet memorandum prepared on the recommendations of an appointed committee.

Discussions focused on the prompt implementation of the approved welfare programme, particularly the appointment of medical boards, represented by the Ministry of Health, to assess cases involving military and Police personnel who were killed, disabled, or discharged from service after being unable to resume duties owing to conflict-related injuries.

Officials said the proposed mechanism would facilitate the efficient delivery of welfare benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

Attention was also drawn to establishing a structured mechanism to decentralise the functions of medical boards and extend their operations to the regional level to improve accessibility for eligible beneficiaries across the country.

Emphasising the need for swift action, the Deputy Minister instructed relevant officials to expedite the implementation process.

Jayasekara also stressed the importance of ensuring easier access to the programme for disabled veterans residing across the island and directed stakeholders to make optimum use of medical facilities available within the Tri-Forces to facilitate referrals to medical boards and speed up the processing of benefits.

He underscored that all eligible beneficiaries should receive their entitled assistance and welfare benefits without undue delay.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting disabled service personnel who had made sacrifices in the service of the nation, the Deputy Minister assured that every effort would be made to provide the necessary welfare and assistance to those affected.

The meeting was attended by the Tri-Forces Commanders, the Director General of Health Services, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, and senior officers representing the Tri-Forces, Sri Lanka Police and the STF.