Trial-at-Bar bench nominated to hear cases against Pujith, Hemasiri

Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya has nominated a Trial-at-Bar bench to hear the cases against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former IGP Pujith Jayasundara in connection with their criminal negligence and failure to prevent Easter Sunday Terrorist attacks.

The Attorney General has filed indictments consisting of 864 charges against the two accused.

The Trial-at-Bar bench comprised High Court Judges Namal Balalle, Adithya Patabendi and Mohomed Irshadeen. 

The trial is to proceed without a jury. 

The two former top officials have been accused of failing to take measures to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks despite having prior knowledge of the attack.