The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has imposed an overseas travel ban on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as part of the ongoing investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, one of the deadliest incidents in Sri Lanka’s history.
The order was issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara after considering a motion filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is currently conducting extensive inquiries into the coordinated suicide bombings that targeted churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, killing more than 260 people and injuring hundreds of others.
In addition to former President Rajapaksa, the court also imposed foreign travel restrictions on two military personnel linked to the investigation. They are Army Colonel Mohamed Ansar and Premananda Udalagama, also known as Silva, a former intelligence officer.
The travel bans are intended to ensure the availability of the individuals for questioning and any further legal proceedings arising from the investigation.
Meanwhile, former Director of State Intelligence, retired Major General Suresh Salley, is currently being held under detention orders in connection with the same probe. Authorities have intensified efforts to examine allegations of intelligence failures, possible lapses in security coordination, and other matters related to the events leading up to the attacks.
The latest court order marks a significant development in the renewed investigation into the Easter Sunday bombings, as law enforcement authorities continue to pursue accountability and uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attacks.