Temporary release of hardcore LTTEer to locate explosives cache

Suraj A Bandara and Siranjani Kumari

Colombo Additional Magistrate Nirosha Fernando yesterday granted permission to release an imprisoned LTTE leader to the care of the Terrorist Investigation Unit (TIU) to help them locate a haul of concealed explosives weighing around one tonne that was brought to Colombo during the war period to cause destruction.

The order was handed down to prison superintendent as per the request of TIA Chief IP Prasanna De Alwis to release the hardcore Intelligence Unit LTTE leader only for three days as he had given a written promise to help the TIA to recover the massive explosives hidden at a secret location near Colombo in order to launch a massive attack in Colombo and its suburbs.

In addition to the massive haul of explosives, seven T56 guns, nine automatic pistols, three LMG guns, 3,500 T56 rounds and two bundles of chocolates worth of Rs 10 million and Rs 8 million each have been concealed together with explosives by the LTTE during the war.

The prisoner, Balasubramanium Rajendra Kumar, a resident of Vavuniya was thus released for three days on the condition that prison guards together with a nominated police sub inspector would provide the security and required facilities during his three day release.

The TIA pointed out to the Magistrate that the prisoner was clearly aware where the hidden explosives has been concealed since he had been an active LTTE intelligence member and had personally got involved in the process of concealment of explosives.

The LTTEer has four on going hearings at the Gamapaha and Aththanagalla courts.