Duminda Dissanayake's 'Golden' T-56 case is reopened

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake has been re-named as a suspect in the ongoing court case regarding the discovery of a T-56 firearm from a housing complex located in the Havelock area. This decision was announced today (10) when the case was called before Acting Magistrate Ravi Mathugama at the Mount Lavinia No. 1 Magistrate's Court.

Officers of the Terrorism Investigation Division informed the court that investigation extracts related to this incident had previously been submitted to the Attorney General, and due to insufficient evidence, Mr. Duminda Dissanayake, who was named as the fourth suspect in the case, had been released. However, based on an additional statement obtained from the second suspect in this case, under the instructions of the Attorney General, investigating officers pointed out that sufficient evidence has now been uncovered to show that the fourth suspect is also directly involved in this incident.

Previous evidence had indicated that the fourth suspect was involved in disposing of the firearm, but subsequent extensive investigations revealed that the second suspect had assisted in its possession. Accordingly, after considering the joint report submitted to the court by the Terrorism Investigation Division, the court decided to name Mr. Duminda Dissanayake as a suspect in this case once again. The Attorney General's Department has now concluded the investigations and informed the court that indictments will be filed before the High Court in due course.

The lawyer appearing for Mr. Duminda Dissanayake stated before the court that the Magistrate's Court had taken steps to release his client on July 29 last year due to insufficient evidence. He further mentioned that he intends to challenge this new decision taken by the investigative authorities before the High Court.

After considering all the facts presented, Acting Magistrate Ravi Mathugama ordered the release of Mr. Duminda Dissanayake on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 500,000 each. The case is scheduled to be called again on December 11 to consider the future progress reports of the investigations conducted under the Attorney General's instructions.