The Organized Crimes Prevention Division (OECD) conducting investigations into the alleged offensive statement made by former State Minister Vijayakala Maheshwaran yesterday informed Court that they expect to record statements from Ministers and Parliamentarians who participated in the event where the controversial statement was made.
Filing a further report before Colombo Chief Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake, the Organized Crimes Prevention Division informed court that it has sought the Speaker’s permission to record statements from Ministers and Parliamentarians who participated in the event. ‘As a part of ongoing investigations, Police have recorded statements from 40 individuals including the District Secretaries of Vavunia and Jaffna and journalists.
“Home Affairs Ministers Vajira Abeywardana has voluntarily given a statement in this regard,” Police said. Addressing an event at the Weerasingham Hall in Jaffna on July 2, the former State Minister had allegedly said she would like to see the resurgence of the LTTE.
The court had earlier issued an order directing the Department of Official Languages to provide the Sinhala and Tamil transcripts of the video footage pertaining to the alleged offensive statement. On July 6, the Chief Magistrate’s Court issued an order directing several media institutions to produce their unedited video footage and paper articles pertaining to this controversial statement.
Filing a B report regarding this incident, the Organized Crimes Prevention Division alleged that the former State Minister could be charged under the offences that appears to have been committed under Section 115 and 120 of the Penal Code, violating the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and provisions stipulated under Article 157A of the Constitution.
Article 157A of the Constitution provides Constitutional provisions for prohibition against the violation of the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka.
Article 157A(1) of the Constitution cites that no person shall, directly or indirectly, in or outside Sri Lanka, support, espouse, promote, finance, encourage or advocate the establishment of a separate State within the territory of Sri Lanka. The Organized Crimes Prevention Division informed court that Police have commenced investigations into this incident pursuant to a complaint made by Sinhala Ravaya General Secretary Ven. Magalkande Sudaththa Thera.
Child Affairs State Minister Vijayakala Maheshwaran decided to temporarily resign from her ministerial portfolio following a huge public outcry.