Sept 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka Army Commander has appointed a three-member committee to probe the assault of the Army intelligence officer by a group of people including sons of two prominent politicians.

The incident took place near the car park of the Jaic Hilton Residencies. Minister Mervin Silva' son Malaka Silva and former Minister Mano Wijerathna's son Rehan Wijerathna along with five others were remanded under suspicion for the assault.

However, the Major who sustained injuries and lost his revolver during the assault has said yesterday in court that the sons of the two politicians had not assaulted him and he was ready to settle the issue.

Fort Magistrate Kanishka Wijerathna yesterday released Malaka Silva and Rehan Wijerathna on a cash bail amounting to 100,000 rupees each and remanded the other suspects till Monday (24).

The Major further has said in the court that he was in charge of the Sri Lanka Army's Colombo-South Intelligence wing and had come to the place of crime for an investigation on drugs after informing the relevant authorities.

When questioned why he had decided to recant his recent statement he has said that he made the statement under shock induced by the incident.

The Army committee is to question the other officials who worked under the Major. The committee will investigate the liability of the Major's visit and if a disgrace occurred to the Army with the official's conduct.

The magistrate yesterday directed police to investigate if the Major attempted to mislead the court through making false statements.