Colombo Additional Magistrate – Keminda Perera yesterday (April 25) ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to complete the investigation regarding the Xpress Pearl incident and report the facts to the court immediately.

The magistrate also ordered that the audio tapes containing conversations between the stricken vessel and its local agent, to be submitted before the court.

However, the State Counsel who appeared on behalf of the CID when the case was taken up on Thursday (25), has sought a period of one month, in order to present facts in relation to the investigations.

The lawyers representing the captain of the destroyed ‘X-Press Pearl’ ship and the directors of the relevant local agent, who have been named as respondents of the case, noted that a trial with regard to the maritime calamity is already underway before the Colombo High Court.

They have also raised questions concerning the need for conducting further investigations into the same incident against this backdrop.

(Source : Aruna)

Today (26) is the final day of the three-day adjournment debate on the 2019 Easter attacks.

The adjournment debate will be held till 5.30pm.

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles told the police today that eliminating criminals from the country is not a sin and not to be afraid to use weapons.

He made these remarks while participating in the passing out parade at Katukurunda STF Training camp.

“Eliminating criminals from the country is not a sin. Don’t be afraid to use the weapon in your hand for the right thing and we stand by you,” the minister said.

“The police officers who had undergone the training know what to do. They know everything that is needed. If this team is not enough, another police motorcycle team will be established. We have a goal. All the police officers know what that goal is. I just want to go for that goal. I have done everything, including salary increases for all of you. I only expect you to go for the goal,” the minister further said.

The passing out parade of a team of 100 police personnel who underwent special training at the Katukurunda STF camp to go after criminals operating in the Western and Southern Provinces was held with the participation of the Minister, IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon, STF Commandant Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara and the Western Province Senior DIG.

These trained 50 motorcycle teams commenced anti-underworld duties yesterday.

The team was given two weeks special training to respond to incidents involving gunmen committing crimes on motorcycles and take necessary action against them.

(dailymirror.lk)

 (This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)