Jan 19, Colombo: A three-judge bench of the Colombo High Court today said the decision on whether to acquit Former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando who has been charged in connection with the Easter Sunday massacre or call for defense statement will be taken on the 18th of February.

Hemasiri Fernando has been charged with criminal misconduct for failing to take action to prevent a terrorist attack on Easter Sunday, despite receiving intelligence prior to the attack on 21 April 2019.

The case was taken up on Wednesday before a three-judge bench comprising justices Namal Balalle, Aditya Patabendige and Mohamed Irshadeen.

Deputy Solicitor General Sudharshana de Silva, who appeared for the complainant, informed the court that the prosecution has concluded calling witnesses.

The three-judge panel considering the matter, decided that order to whether consider the release of the defendant or trial will be given on the 18th of next month.

Former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando have been charged with failing to take action to prevent a series of suicide bombings targeting Catholic churches and star hotels on Easter Sunday in 2019.