Three new courts to try LTTE suspects

In a move to expedite the prosecution of LTTE suspects, the government will establish three new High Courts in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Mannar within a month, Leader of the House and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told Parliament today.

Responding to a statement made by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan regarding several prisoners on hunger strike, the minister said the Attorney General’s Department would be provided with separate staff to prepare the legal documents for such prosecutions.  

He also said steps would be taken to expedite the judicial process with regard to LTTE suspects who voluntarily sought rehabilitation from the government.

Referring to those on hunger strike, the minister said they were not political prisoners as described by Mr. Sampanthan. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)