SJB stalwart and former Minister Lakshman Kiriella yesterday said that a court ruling should be sought on identifying the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday bombings, stressing that the judicial process must be allowed to proceed without interference.

Speaking at a press conference, Kiriella noted that a 25-page ‘B’ report had already been submitted to court in connection with the investigation.

He said successive governments had appointed multiple commissions to probe the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which had made several recommendations, but no comprehensive report had previously been placed before a court.

“Now there is a report before the court,” he said, adding that it was appropriate for all parties to await a judicial determination.

Kiriella said allegations had been made against various individuals over the years, but stressed that only the judiciary could make a final ruling.

“Why should anyone stand in the way of it? We have an excellent judicial system in our country,” he said, calling for confidence in the courts to resolve the matter.

The Government will move to appoint a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry comprising sitting Supreme Court judges to investigate all coal-related transactions from 2009 to date, Minister Bimal Ratnayake announced in Parliament on Friday.

The proposed Commission will examine the entire coal procurement process, including shipments imported over the past 15 years. Minister Ratnayake said approximately 465 coal consignments had been brought into the country since 2009, of which 452 were imported under previous administrations and 13 during the tenure of the present government.

He stressed that the inquiry would cover all transactions without exception, regardless of the period or individuals involved.

The Minister said the Commission would be made up of currently serving Supreme Court judges, underscoring the independence and seriousness of the probe. He told Parliament that legal action would be taken against any party found guilty, irrespective of position or political affiliation.

He added that even Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody would be held accountable if wrongdoing is established, while those linked to previous governments would also face legal consequences if found culpable.

Ratnayake said the inquiry was aimed at establishing the truth behind coal procurement and dispelling public doubts. While rejecting what he described as unfounded allegations against the Minister, he said the Government supported the probe to ensure transparency and uphold the public mandate.

Meanwhile, the no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition against Minister Jayakody was defeated in Parliament by a majority of 104 votes, with 49 voting in favour and 153 against.The proposed Commission is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of coal procurement practices spanning successive administrations, including the present government.

A senior police officer attached to the Mount Lavinia Division, who is due to retire shortly, is alleged to be involved in an illegal money collection racket operated through officers close to him, some of whom are already facing misconduct allegations, police sources said.

Officers within the same division have reportedly brought the matter to the attention of senior officials at Police Headquarters, prompting scrutiny of the officer’s conduct.

The officer, who is based in Piliyandala, is also accused of collecting extortion money from massage centres in Mount Lavinia and surrounding areas, while allegedly extending protection to illicit operations.

Police sources further said a Sub-Inspector attached to the Mount Lavinia Police is also implicated in facilitating the alleged activities. The officer is accused of tipping off individuals ahead of raids, including by making phone calls to the son of a suspected drug trafficker.

An investigation has been launched on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police into the alleged misconduct. However, no disciplinary action, including transfers, has yet been taken, reportedly due to the influence of the senior officer, police officials said.