Summoning intelligence officers may risk their lives

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

Opposition leader Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday urged the government not to endanger the lives of intelligence officers by summoning them before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) which was probing the Easter Sunday attacks.  

He told parliament that this was similar to the Millennium City incident where the names of intelligence officers were revealed putting their lives at risk and said they would have to be provided with security.  

“If intelligence officers are summoned before the PSC as witnesses, their identity will be revealed just like in the case of the Millennium City incident,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.  

He said the intelligence officers should not be questioned in public and said the government should not use it for political gains.  

House Leader Lakshman Kiriella said the intelligence officers were informed by the PSC chairman before the proceedings to refrain from making statements which contain sensitive information. 

If summoned before the PSC as witnesses, their  identity will be revealed just like in the case of the Millennium City  incident