“Miscommunication” delaying release of alleged Sri Lankan sniper
“Local investigators in Malé have repeatedly informed me that they were waiting for the all-clear from the authorities in Colombo on the detained Sri Lankan before moves could be made to release him but there appear to be certain shortcomings,” the suspect’s defence lawyer told Sri Lankan media.
04 Jan 2016, 9:00 AM
Miscommunication between the Sri Lankan and Maldivian authorities is delaying the release of a Sri Lankan “sniper” hired to assassinate President Abdulla Yameen, according to a lawyer representing the accused.
“Local investigators in Malé have repeatedly informed me that they were waiting for the all-clear from the authorities in Colombo on the detained Sri Lankan before moves could be made to release him but there appear to be certain shortcomings,” the defence lawyer Shabdika Vellampil told Sri Lanka’s Sunday Times.
The lawyer added that he had been unable to visit his client as he had travelled to the Maldives on a tourist visa. “The Foreign Office in Colombo has assured me that it was working towards obtaining the appropriate visa for my next visit,” he said.
The 24-year-old Sri Lankan, identified as Lahiru Madushanka, was arrested on October 24, the same day former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb was detained on suspicion of masterminding the September 28 blast on the president’s speedboat. The government says a bomb targeting the president caused the explosion.
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