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.

Earlier, the CID launched an investigation into the documentary telecast by Britain's Channel 4 on the Easter bombings. The documentary, titled 'Sri Lanka’s Easter Bombings', was broadcast on September 6, 2023, and features a statement from Muhammad Millar Muhammad Hansir, also known as Azad Hansir Maulana. He was a media presenter and finance secretary for the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) party, which was led by Pilleyan.

Police said an external organisation has filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Public Security regarding the documentary. The complaint was then forwarded to Police Headquarters and handed over to the CID for further investigations.

The CID is probing several issues, including the dissemination of controversial information about the Easter attacks and potential conspiracies outlined in the Penal Code.

The department also presented the matter to the Fort Magistrate’s Court on November 11, according to police.

Pilleyan was initially summoned to the CID on November 12 to provide a statement regarding a new investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks. However, he requested an alternative date for his statement.

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.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit India in mid-December for his maiden state visit.