However contrary to Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Mujibur Rahman’s claims in parliament, Colombo Telegraph published a report on December 18, 2015, confirming that Dialog had indeed provided the comprehensive details requested by the Attorney General. See the published report below for further details.
(Colombo) – Hans Wijesuriya, the CEO of Dialog Axiata, has been named in the ongoing investigation into the murder of rugby player Thajudeen. This comes after an accusation by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Mujibur Rahman, who alleged that Wijesuriya had refused to submit phone records of former senior police officer Anura Senanayake and others involved in the case during the previous government’s investigation.
Rahman claimed that the investigation into Thajudeen’s death was effectively halted due to Dialog’s refusal to provide vital data related to phone calls, which he said was crucial for unraveling the circumstances surrounding the murder. Rahman further pointed out that Wijesuriya, who was involved in blocking the data at the time, had now been appointed as a presidential advisor on digital technology development by the current government.
In response, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, the Chief Organizer of the ruling party, confirmed that the necessary data regarding the phone conversations, including those of Senanayake and others, had now been received by investigating officers. Jayatissa assured that a thorough and impartial investigation would continue into Thajudeen’s murder, and that anyone found responsible would be prosecuted in court.
Additionally, Jayatissa clarified that Wijesuriya is working as a voluntary advisor, emphasizing that his appointment is unrelated to the ongoing investigations. However, the revelation has sparked further controversy, with opposition parties questioning the transparency and motives behind both the investigation and the new advisory role.
Earlier on the 18th of December 2015 Colombo Telegraph published a report highlighting that Dialog did in fact submit comprehensive details pertaining to the information that the Attorney General had requested.
Colombo Telegraph’s published story is found below.
Thajudeen Murder: Dialog Telecom Finally Submits Crucial Data To AG
Contrary to media reports where it was continuously reported that Dialog Axiata PLC was concealing vital telephone details regarding the ongoing investigation into the Wasim Thajudeen murder, it is now reliably learnt that Dialog Axiata PLC has last week submitted the comprehensive details pertaining to the information that the Attorney General had requested.
Colombo Telegraph further learns that the delay in Dialog Axiata PLC furnishing the requested information was due to the technical nature of the requested details.
Unlike providing easier information such as call log details, obtaining critical technical information such as which tower calls originated and terminated between the caller and the receiver takes a considerable period of time to retrieve.
In order to obtain and maintain accuracy with the details that needed to be furnished, it is reliably understood that Dialog Axiata had to deploy several teams over a period of months and also conduct an audit prior to submitting the requested information. Confidante telecom sources revealed that this excercise had even cost the telecom service provider a whopping sum in the range of Rs 50 million.
Meanwhile it is also reliably learnt that the Attorney General had written back to Dialog Axiata PLC and thanked them for their support in furnishing this vital piece of information that could piece together and help speed up the investigations into one of the country’s most publicized and gruesome of murders.
Earlier there was speculation that the Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya would be held liable for concealing information that the service provider was bound to furnish regarding public interest and also which fell under the country’s Telecommunications Regulatory Act.
Colombo Telegraph’s attempt to contact the Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC Dr.Hans Wijayasuriya for a comment proved futile.
