Irresponsible speculation to be discouraged; thorough, impartial, objective investigation needed - GL

Colombo, May 9 (Daily Mirror) - Referring to the death of former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena, former External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris who is actively involved in opposition politics said that irresponsible speculation should be discouraged, and the best way for it was the conduct of a complete, thorough, impartial investigation into the incident.

Making remarks to Daily Mirror on the death of Mr. Chandrasena, he said there were pending proceedings with regard to bribery and corruption, and Mr. Chandrasena was arrested and produced before the magistrate.

“Then he said that he wishes to make a statement to the magistrate and there was a sworn affidavit. That affidavit is now in the public domain. In the affidavit, he says that while he was being questioned, the Director General of the Bribery and Corruption walked into the room,” Prof. Peiris said.

According to the affidavit, Mr. Chandrasena had alleged that while he was being questioned in connection with an ongoing bribery and corruption investigation, the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption entered the room and spoke to him.

Quoting the contents of the affidavit, Prof. Peiris said Chandrasena had claimed that the official referred to an earlier suicide involving an individual connected to proceedings. According to the affidavit, Chandrasena was allegedly told to mention the names of two individuals and was warned that if he failed to do so, he could face a fate similar to that of the person who had committed suicide earlier.

Prof. Peiris asserted that he did not say one word about the truth or otherwise of what was contained in the affidavit, but stressed that there was consequently an imperative need to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

“That is absolutely crucial because, in all investigations mandated by the law, the principal purpose is to discover the truth. If in the course of such proceedings, duress and intimidation are used, then that is totally destructive of freedom. It would be a very dangerous trend if it has happened. Then, I want to say this very clearly that irresponsible speculation is to be discouraged. The best way to do that is by holding a complete, thorough, impartial and objective investigation very speedily,” he said.