The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCOI) mandated to probe the terror attacks on Easter Sunday has concluded its hearings and is to submit the report to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa before January 31.
It is learnt that the report maybe submitted on January 31, the day the term of the PCOI comes to an end. However it is learnt that several key figures had not been present before the Commission for testimony during its proceedings lasted for more than 15 months.
Mohamed Naufar alias Naufar Moulavi, the suspected mastermind of the attacks, Mohamed Anwar Mohamed Riskan, the alleged expert behind the bomb manufacturing, Ahamed Milhan Hayathu Mohamed against whom charges were filed in the United States recently, sister of MP Rishad Bathiudeen, whose house in Enderamulla had been rented out for the suicide bombers, Police Sergeant Nandalal of the CID who is alleged to have had connections with terrorists and Army Mohideen are some of them.
Deposed CID Director Shani Abeysekera was also to testify before the Commission last Tuesday, but media were informed later that he would not appear on that day.
Former President Maithripala Sirisena appointed the PCoI on Easter Sunday Attacks in 2019. The term of the Commission was to end on December 20, before it was extended till January 31 by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The Easter Sunday attacks took place on April 21, 2019 at eight places including three major churches and three city hotels claiming the lives of 269 people including children and foreigners.
