PCoI summons ex-president Sirisena, three auxiliary bishops

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI), investigating the Easter Sunday attacks, ordered former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Private Secretary  Sameera de Silva and three auxiliary Bishops of Colombo, Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam, Maxwell Silva and J D Anthony Jayakody, to appear before it today at 10.30 am.

The order was made by the PCoI after Attorney-at-Law Dilshan Jayasuriya appearing for ex-Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, on Tuesday, alleged that former President Maithripala Sirisena had placed ex-Defence Secretary’s life at risk by issuing a media statement that the evidence given by the latter before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) investigating the Easter Sunday attacks was “malicious and fictitious”.

Sirisena, on Sunday, issued a press release claiming that the testimony given by Fernando at the PCoI about his conduct was completely false.

“I vehemently deny what was said at the Commission by Fernando. These are malicious and fictitious statements and I wish to reiterate to the public that Fernando’s statements are false.”

The three auxiliary Bishops have been summoned over a press release they issued on a statement given by MP Harin Fernando before the PCoI.

The Commissioners also ordered the three Bishops to appear in person or send a legal representation today at 2.00 PM regarding the issuance of a press statement on behalf of Archbishop of Colombo Malcom Cardinal Ranjith denying the evidence given by SJB MP and former Minister Fernando.