White Flag issue:

Prosecution closes its case

Sarath MALALASEKERA

The prosecution in the white flag case was yesterday closed after recording evidence of two Inspectors of the Criminal Investigation Department.

Inspector Anura de Silva and Inspector Mahinda Jayasundera yesterday testified before the Trial at Bar consisting of three High Court Judges hearing the Sarath Fonseka's white flag issue.

Inspector Anura de Silva cross-examined by Senior Defence Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetty said that he handed over the documents including the notebook of Sunday Leader Journalist Frederica Jansz, to Court and recorded statements of Derana and Sirasa Newsmen. Inspector Mahinda Jayasundera examined by Senior State Counsel Dilan Ratnayake said that he had recorded the statement of Sarath Fonseka.

The Bench comprising Colombo High Court Judge Deepali Wijesundera (President), Colombo High Court Judge WTMPB Warawewa and Colombo High Court Judge MZ Razeen.

Re-examined by Deputy Solicitor General Buvaneka Aluvihare, CID Inspector Anura de Silva said that he had been in the CID for the last 13 years and had conducted several major incidents.

Answering the DSG Inspector De Silva said that there is a common register at the CID headquarters to mark the CID officers day to day activities.

Sarath Fonseka earlier pleaded not guilty to the three charges preferred against him namely making a false statement to Sunday Leader Senior Journalist Frederica Jansz that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa had told Brig Shavendra de Silva to eliminate the LTTE cadres who come with a white flag to surrender during the final stage of the war.

Sarath Fonseka is charged on three counts under the Criminal Procedure Code and under the Emergency Regulations Sections 28 and 29.

Deputy Solicitor General Buvaneka Aluvihare with Senior State Counsel Dilan Ratnayake, State Counsel Lakmini Girihagama and State Counsel Riayz Bary appeared for the Attorney General.

Senior Attorney Nalin Ladduwahetty with Nilanthi Peiris, Ajith Pathirana, ULG Bandara, Mervyn de Silva, Wasantha Pitigala, Niroshan Perera, Swarna Bandara and Chathura Anushka Amaratunga appeared for Sarath Fonseka.

On an application by Senior Defence Counsel Nalin Ladduwahetty the court allowed to call defence witnesses on the next hearing date, February 28.