TID objects to Tissanayagam's release

Wasantha Ramanayake

The OIC, Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) filing his objections to the rights application by Sunday Times journalist J.S. Tissanayagam in the Supreme Court objected to his release.

IP Prasanna De Alwis, the OIC objected to Tissanayagam's release on the basis that it would hamper ongoing investigations to determine the nature and the extent of the Tissanayagam's involvement with the LTTE.

The OIC stated that Jesikaran one of the colleague of the petitioner was a high ranking intelligence operative of the LTTE. He was operating a press at Kotahena. He stated that the documents taken into custody at the press and the residence of Jesikaran clearly suggested his deep involvement with the LTTE.

According to the OIC, Jesikaran had admitted his direct involvement with the LTTE and that the printing press was set up with the funds and backing of the LTTE. The IP stated that the two persons are sympathisers of the separatist cause. He also stated that the Jesikaran's statement would demonstrate the petitioner's involvement with the LTTE.

The IP stated that subsequent to the Jesikaran's statement the Police went in search of the petitioner to arrest him. But the petitioner along with one Wijesinghe had visited Jesikaran at the TID where they were arrested but Wijesinghe was later released.

According to the OIC, TID, the petitioner had visited Wanni several times during 2004 and 2007 to meet top LTTE leaders not in his capacity as a journalist. He stated that in terms of the business registration the petitioner had been a director along with Jesikaran in two other companies formed by Jesikaran.

Petitioner Tissanayagam complained to the court that he had been arrested without giving any reason by the Police on March 07 and been detained since then. The petitioner stated that his arrest had been arbitrary and in violation of his rights. The petitioner sought an order directing the Police to release him with forthwith. The petitioner cited OIC, TID, Prasanna de Alwis, IGP and the Attorney General as respondents. The hearing was fixed for May 22.