Former Sri Lankan President Sirisena pays SLRs.15 million in compensation to victims of 2019 Easter terror attacks
The Hindu
Former President Sirisena pays 1st instalment of SLRs 15M as compensation to Easter terror victims
Ahead of a deadline set by Sri Lanka's Supreme Court, Former President Maithripala Sirisena has paid the first instalment of 15 million Sri Lankan Rupees as compensation to the victims of the Easter terror attacks in 2019, according to media reports on Wednesday.
In January, Mr. Sirisena, 71, was ordered by the apex court to pay SLRs 100 million as compensation to the victims for his negligence in preventing one of the country's worst terror strikes despite having credible information of an imminent attack.
Mr. Sirisena was Sri Lanka's President and Defence Minister at the time of the attacks when nine suicide bombers belonging to the local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaat (NTJ) linked to ISIS carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing nearly 270 people, including 11 Indians, and injuring over 500.
Comment | Easter Sunday bombings: Why Sri Lanka?
The court ordered Mr. Sirisena to pay a compensation of SLRs. 100 million, former police chief Pujith Jayasundara and former state intelligence services chief Nilantha Jayawardene to pay a compensation of SLRs. 75 million each, former defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando to pay a compensation of SLRs. 50 million.
Ahead of the July 12 July set by the Supreme Court, Sirisena paid SLRs 15 million as compensation on June 28 and filed a motion requesting that he be allowed to pay the remaining sum in 10 instalments of SLRs 8.5 million from June 30, 2024, to June 20, 2033, Colombo Gazette news portal reported.
In a motion filed through his lawyers, the former President explained that he receives a pension of SLRs. 97,500 as the former President, alongside a sum of SLRs. 54,285 for his services as a Member of Parliament, thus, he requested that he be granted more time to pay the remainder of the ordered sum of SLRs. 100 million, adaderana.lk reported.
Canada challenges U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports through WTO dispute consultations, seeking resolution.
Jaffar Express driver recounts BLA hijacking as military rescues passengers, killing all terrorists in dramatic 30-hour siege.
UN Secretary-General assesses Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh amid fears of aid cuts, welcomed by Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs adviser.
US and Israel consider Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland as potential destinations for resettling Palestinians from Gaza.
Millions face displacement as aid cuts worsen global refugee crisis, leaving vulnerable populations without essential support.
American Airlines plane catches fire at Denver airport, passengers evacuated safely, minor injuries reported, FAA to investigate.
Meta Platforms Inc. says it will launch its crowd-sourced fact-checking program, called Community Notes, on March 18.
Judge blocks mass firings of federal probationary workers, orders reinstatement, sparking legal battle over Trump administration's downsizing efforts.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok urges respect for Constitutional Court ruling on impeachment, warns against challenging public authority.
Trump reiterates desire to annex Greenland for international security, highlighting Chinese and Russian interest in Arctic region.
Trump administration seeks Supreme Court approval for birthright citizenship restrictions amid legal battles, facing nationwide block and constitutional challenges.
Interim government of Ethiopia's Tigray region appeals for federal intervention as TPLF faction seizes control, raising civil war fears.
Possible link between Starlink internet and cyber fraud in Myanmar-Thailand border, as Indian citizens repatriated from scam call centres.