Ferdinandez directed to make statement

Sarath MALALASEKERA

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducting investigations into suspect websites yesterday told Colombo additional magistrate Prasanna Alwis that Ruwan Ferdinandez was not a suspect in the case.

At the outset, Senior Counsel Saliya Peiris who appeared for the suspects told court he was surrendering Ferdinandez before court.

At this stage, Inspector Anura Silva of the CID told court Ferdinandez was not a suspect in the case and moved court to direct him to appear before the CID to obtain a statement.

Senior Counsel Saliya Peiris told court according to reports before court filed by the CID, Ferdinandez was a suspect.

Inspector Silva told court the complainant in the case is the Director of the Investigations Department. The dossier of investigations had been forwarded to the Attorney General for his advice.

The magistrate directed Ferdinandez to give a statement to the CID in connection with the investigations.

On an application by Senior Counsel Saliya Peiris, the magistrate directed to forward their written submissions on the next date, July 20, 2012.

The eight suspects, employees of the website, taken into custody earlier, were released on bail and directed to appear in court on July 20.

Senior Counsel Saliya Peiris with Ajith Pathirana and S Munasinghe appeared for the suspects.