The final report of the internal investigation on the Anuradhapura Prison incident involving State Minister Lohan Ratwatte has been submitted to the Commissioner General of Prisons, The Sunday Morning learns. The controversial incident took place on 12 September 2021, when former State Minister of Prison Reforms Lohan Ratwatte had allegedly abused and assaulted several inmates held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) at gun point.

The incident also followed the Mahara Prison unrest, which triggered an armed response from jailors, causing 11 custodial deaths and left scores injured.

The Prisons Commissioner (Administration and Rehabilitation) and Spokesman L.B. Ekanayake told The Sunday Morning that the final report had been submitted two weeks ago, adding that the department was assisting two other investigations into the incident which were ongoing.

According to Ekanayake, Prisons Commissioner General (Supplies) Sunil Kodithuwakku was appointed by the Commissioner General of Prisons on 15 September 2021 to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Accordingly, parallel inquiries are also being carried out by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) and the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and an independent inquiry is also being carried out by High Court Judge (Retd.) Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena appointed by Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to submit an investigation progress report on the incident. The order was made when the Fundamental Rights (FR) application by eight inmates was called up in the presence of Supreme Court Justices S. Thurairajah, Achala Wengappulli, and Arjuna Obeysekera last week. Earlier, the IGP was directed to investigate the issue with the advice of the Attorney General.

Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners (CPRP) Chairman Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera said the delay in completing the investigations conducted by the Police could not be accepted.

He alleged that the Government was not supporting the investigations and was trying to cover up for State Minister Ratwatte.

However, attempts made by The Sunday Morning to get an update on the investigations conducted by the Police were futile, as Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said he was not updated on the investigations and was yet to get an update from the CID.

Justice Ministry Secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne also said he had not been updated on the ongoing investigations regarding the incident and that he wanted to look into the matter. Attempts to contact Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sarath Weerasekara were futile.

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala informed Parliament that nomination of Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has been accepted as the Opposition Leader of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader's seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.

National People's Power (NPP) Gampaha MP Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala was elected as the Speaker of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka a short while ago. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya proposed his name, and the nomination was confirmed by Vijitha Herath.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake adjourned the Sri Lankan Parliament until 9:30 a.m. on December 3. The adjournment followed the President’s delivery of the government’s policy statement during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament earlier today.

The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child at the Mannar District General Hospital. According to police reports, the deceased, a 27-year-old resident of Mannar, was admitted to the hospital for childbirth on Monday night. In addition, the Mannar Police have also launched their own investigations into the incident.

The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) of the Parliamentary Opposition expressed hope for power devolution, land rights including the release of military-occupied private land, and justice for alleged war era crimes which stem from the conflict, following the election of a new Government.

The Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadheera clarified that a Member of Parliament is not paid a salary but is entitled to an allowance.

Former Minister Harin Fernando, arrested this morning (20) by the Badulla Police for alleged election law violations, has been granted bail. He was ordered to provide two surety bails of Rs. 500,000 each.

The controversy surrounding the nomination of Ravi Karunanayake as an MP on the National List representing the New Democratic Front (NDF) is beyond the control of the Election Commission, according to its chairman.

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pilleyan, arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning (20) to provide a statement. He arrived to provide a statement regarding the controversial Channel 4 documentary on the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka.