JO express concern over unreasonable delay in filing cases

The opposition yesterday raised concerns over not releasing former Eastern Province Chief Minister, Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias, 'Pillayan'.

Joint Opposition MP Susantha Punchinilame said that Pillayan was kept in remand prison for more than four and half years without filing any cases against him.

"We have admitted and respected those who were engaged in terrorist activities after they came to national politics leaving behind their past actions. I got an opportunity to attend an event organised by the supporters of Pillayan's political party recently where they requested for his release or that legal action be taken against him. They said they doubt that this was done to compel them to resort to terrorist activities again, but assured they would not do any such thing in the future," he said.

The MP said there were many people in remand prisons across the country, without legal action being taken against them and added that they should either be released or that legal action should be taken against them.

State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene said he would seek the advice of the Attorney General to see whether there had been any injustice to Pillayan. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)