MPs call for PSC probe on former AG's conspiracy comments

Twenty-one Government MPs have handed over a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena demanding the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate allegations made by former Attorney General Dappula de Livera that there had been a wider conspiracy behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The MPs point to an interview Mr. De Livera gave to a private television channel on May 17, 2021, just days before his retirement. He claimed there had been a vast conspiracy behind the attacks.

They say the then AG had said that, while a person named Naufer Moulavi had been a main player in the conspiracy, and the leader of the conspirators, it was not possible to say with certainty that he was the mastermind. The former AG had also said that Zahran Hashim--although he had decided to carry out the suicide bombings--was only one man involved in the conspiracy.

As AG, Mr de Livera had direct access to all investigation files, evidence and other information connected to the attacks. Given this, the MPs say they have reasonable grounds to believe he may know something about the attacks -- information that has hitherto not been revealed.

“Hence, we believe that it is imperative that his statements and the basis for them be investigated with a view to providing justice to victims of the Easter Sunday attacks,” the letter says.