Lack of Evidence: IUSF Activist released after 50-days in detention

by Amani Nilar 07-10-2022 | 6:03 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Student Activist Hashan Gunathilake who was detained under a 90-day detention order under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act was released by a Sri Lankan court on Friday (7).

Gunathilake is an activist from the Inter-University Student's Federation and he was arrested on the 18th of August 2022 following a protest in Colombo.

He was arrested along with Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, and Wasantha Mudalige, the Inter-University Student's Federation Convener.

On 19th August 2022, Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry issued detention orders for Wasantha Mudalige and Hashan Gunathilake.

Gunathilake has been in detention ever since.

On Friday (7), he was released after he was produced at the Tangalle Magistrate's Court.

The Terrorist Investigations Department informed Tangalle Magistrate Hemantha Pushpakumara that it did not have sufficient evidence to continue to hold Hashan Jeewantha under detention orders.

Upali Mohotti, PC appearing for the student activist noted that 50 days of investigations by the TID have uncovered zero evidence against Hashan Jeewantha.