News Today: Supreme Court Orders Trial for Easter Attack Case Accused to Proceed

The Supreme Court has overturned the High Court’s acquittal of former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, both accused of failing to prevent the tragic Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. This decision, reached by a unanimous five-judge panel, requires the High Court Trial-at-Bar to proceed with the trial, demanding the accused to present their defense. The Attorney General had filed two appeals challenging the previous acquittal, arguing the defendants’ alleged negligence led to devastating consequences.

The judges noted that the Easter Sunday attacks were a significant event resulting in the loss of many lives, not an isolated incident. They stressed that, given the complex nature of the case, acquitting the accused without requiring them to defend themselves was inappropriate. On February 18, 2022, the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar had acquitted Jayasundara and Fernando, citing insufficient evidence to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt. However, the Supreme Court’s recent decision now mandates a continuation of the legal proceedings to seek justice for the victims.

This Supreme Court ruling highlights the gravity of accountability for those in high authority and underlines the importance of comprehensive trials in cases involving large-scale loss of life. The public eagerly awaits further developments in the trial.