The Court of Appeal has fixed July 17 for the continuation of the hearing of a petition filed by former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Salley, challenging his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
The petition was taken up today before a bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Rohantha Abeysuriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando.
Appearing on behalf of Salley, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena told the court that findings from international investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks did not identify his client as being responsible for the attacks.
Counsel further submitted that evidence presented before the Janak de Silva Commission indicated that Zahran Hashim had been pursuing plans to establish an Islamic State from 2018 onwards.
The Court ordered that the matter be taken up again on July 17 for further hearing.
