Former DIG Nalaka de Silva released on bail

Colombo (News 1st): Former DIG Nalaka de Silva who was arrested and remanded over an alleged plot to assassinate high profile individuals in the country was released on bail today by Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake. The former chief of the Terrorist Investigations Division, DIG de Silva was released on a cash bail of Rs. 25,000 and two surety bails of Rs. 5 million each. He was barred from travelling overseas as well. He was arrested on October 25th 2018 over an alleged plot to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena and former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Defence Counsel Ajith Pathirana speaking to reporters said when the DIG was in-charge of the TID measures were taken to arrest Mohamed Zahran and the NTJ members. He added on February 17th 2017 the Colombo Magistrate's Court was informed that Zahran was preparing for terror activities and must be arrested as he was promoting statements to create disharmony among communities. Counsel added the Attorney General at the time was informed thrice on the matter. Defence Counsel Ajith Pathirana believes remanding the DIG was a way of influencing the attacks. The case will be taken up again on June 26th.