🔥 Trending Pujith Jayasundara: Former IGP Sentenced in Easter Sunday Attacks Case

Pujith Jayasundara is a prominent figure in Sri Lankan law enforcement, best known for his tenure as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). His career has been marked by both significant achievements and considerable controversy, particularly concerning his role during the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.

Early Career and Rise to IGP

Jayasundara had a long and distinguished career within the Sri Lanka Police Service, rising through the ranks over several decades. He held various key positions before being appointed as the 34th Inspector General of Police in April 2016. His appointment was a significant milestone, as he was the first IGP to be appointed under the provisions of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which aimed to depoliticize state institutions by involving the Constitutional Council in key appointments.

The 2019 Easter Sunday Bombings and Subsequent Fallout

Jayasundara's most scrutinized period as IGP came during and after the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. These coordinated suicide bombings on churches and luxury hotels across Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019, resulted in over 250 deaths and hundreds injured.

Allegations of Negligence and Failure to Act

Following the attacks, serious allegations emerged that intelligence warnings about potential attacks had been received by Sri Lankan authorities prior to the bombings, but were not acted upon effectively. Jayasundara, along with then-Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, was heavily criticized for failing to prevent the attacks despite these warnings.

Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) Inquiry

A Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) was appointed to investigate the attacks. During his testimony before the PSC, Jayasundara stated that he had indeed received intelligence warnings from foreign agencies regarding a possible attack by the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) group. He claimed to have informed the relevant authorities, including the President and the State Intelligence Service (SIS), but asserted that he was effectively sidelined and that the necessary actions were not taken. He also alleged that he was asked to resign by the President.

Legal Proceedings and Suspension

As a direct consequence of the Easter Sunday bombings and the findings of various inquiries, Pujith Jayasundara faced legal action. He was sent on compulsory leave shortly after the attacks and subsequently suspended from his duties.

In 2020, the Attorney General filed charges against Jayasundara and Hemasiri Fernando for their alleged failure to prevent the attacks. These charges included dereliction of duty and criminal negligence.

Presidential Pardon and Reinstatement

In a significant development in 2023, President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a presidential pardon to Pujith Jayasundara, effectively quashing his indictment in the ongoing cases related to the Easter Sunday attacks. Following this pardon, the Public Service Commission (PSC) ordered his reinstatement as Inspector General of Police, albeit with the instruction that he should be considered to have retired from service on the date he was sent on compulsory leave (April 29, 2019). He was also to be paid all his due salaries and allowances from that date until his retirement date.

Current Status

As of late 2023, Pujith Jayasundara has been reinstated in terms of his service record and financial entitlements, but has retired from active duty. His case remains a key point of discussion in Sri Lanka regarding accountability, intelligence failures, and the political implications surrounding the Easter Sunday attacks.