Grenade Probe: Doctor produced in court after detention, and remanded

COLOMBO (News 1st); Dr. Shirley Herath, a retired doctor who was arrested and detained over the discovery of a hand grenade at All Saint's Church in Borella, Colombo was remanded until the 28th of February 2022, by Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajinda Jayasuriya.

Dr. Shirley Herath, who was detained for almost a month, was produced to court by the Colombo Crimes Division.

Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris informed the court that further investigations are being carried out based on the telecommunication analysis reports.

He also told the court that Dr. Shirley Herath had operated as the person who planned to place hand grenades at the Bellanvila Raja Maha Viharaya, a Private Hospital in Colombo, and the All Saint's Church in Colombo.

Therefore, the DSG requested the court to remand the suspects until the case is complete under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Attorney-at-Law Hafeel Farisz who appeared for the suspect told the court that the prosecution had failed to provide a sufficient amount of evidence to prove the charges against the suspect.

The Attorney-at-Law said therefore, the court has no legal power to remand the suspect, and the court has the power to remand the suspect at a time when there is no definite case against the suspect.

The suspect had informed the court from the dock that the Colombo Crimes Division had provided him with all facilities during his detention period, and that his son was not aware of these facts, and apologized to his son.

The Colombo Additional Magistrate said there was sufficient evidence against the suspect, and ordered for the suspect to be remanded until the 28th of February 2022.