In a move that has already stirred fresh controversy, Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasena on May 16 ordered the release of 12 suspects, 10 women and 2 men, who were previously arrested and remanded on suspicion of aiding and abetting the suicide bombers responsible for the Easter Sunday terror attacks. The decision also includes returning seized items, including mobile phones, to the accused.
The Counter-Terrorism Investigation Division (CTID) initially presented the suspects to court on December 11, 2020, after arresting and interrogating them in connection with the 2019 bombings that killed over 250 people. Those arrested include Sinthi Satuna, Rauff Fatima Sara, Lebbe Rishana, Saligu Junai Teesya, Kasim Mataniya, Fatima Shahida, Imrahim Sarda, and Mohamed Irfan and Mohamed Shafan. After their arrest, the group was detained and remanded under suspicion of connections to extremist activity.
Upon their recent court appearance, CTID officers revealed that investigations had been concluded and all relevant findings had been submitted to the Attorney General. The court was informed that there was no ongoing inquiry, signaling the legal process was drawing to a close.
On April 9, acting on the Attorney General’s instructions, the CTID notified the court of its intention to wrap up the proceedings. The defense then requested the return of items taken during the suspects’ arrests—namely mobile phones and personal effects.
CTID confirmed that arrangements had been made to return six mobile phones and other seized items. After reviewing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Amarasena approved the release and ordered that the confiscated property be returned to the individuals.
The sudden release of suspects previously linked to one of the deadliest attacks in Sri Lanka’s modern history has sparked new waves of public debate, raising questions over prosecutorial delays, evidence sufficiency, and justice for victims.
