‘Fate of PTA detainees after completion of investigations’

Parliament reporters

Minister Dinesh Gunawardena

Appropriate measures will be taken upon the completion of investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with regard to the persons who have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said in Parliament yesterday.

He said that 893 persons have been detained under the PTA. Cases have been filed against 64 persons among them.

He said that 893 persons have been detained under the PTA cases have been filed against 64 persons among them. The minister also revealed that 10 persons who were detained under this Act had already been released.

He observed that Court cases have not yet been filed against 259 detainees and their details are being sent to the Attorney General’s Department to precede with Court cases. The minister also revealed that 33 persons have not been granted bail eventhough cases have been filed against them. The minister responding to a question raised by UNP MP Dayasiri Jayasekara also stated that former President J R Jayewardene during his regime pardoned even hardcore criminals who had been detained under the PTA.