April Attacks: Uncertain if Sarah is dead or alive; says Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka hopes to institute legal action against the key suspects connected to the 2019 April 21st Attacks by July 2021, said Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara said on Friday (18).

"The Attorney General said cases can be filed against the key suspects by July," said the Minister adding that 08 separate case files on the 08 separate attacks were sent to the Attorney General in November 2020 for instructions.

He said the investigations are taking time as authorities cannot allow the suspects to evade prosecution via any loophole, adding that if that happens the public will blame Sri Lanka Police.

"We hope to file cases against 42 people in July," said the Minister.

Commenting on the controversy surrounding Sarah Jasmine (real name - Pulasthini Rajendran), the Public Security Minister said there is no confirmation if Sarah is dead or alive.

"All the evidence that claims she was alive is contradicting in nature," he said.

The Minister also said there is no evidence to claim that one of the terrorists maintained contact with an intelligence officer and ruled it as mere gossip.