COLOMBO : President of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), Rizwe Mufti, and an associate were seen carrying 20 gift parcels to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, when he was to testify before the PCoI, on Thursday,10, Ceylon Today reported on Friday.
Colombo Times learnt that the parcel contained the popular traditional Muslim delicacy-‘Wattalapam’ which is usually shared among non- Muslim friends on special occasions,
The Mufti had taken about 12 parcels into the hall where evidence is being led and it was observed that several other parcels were being taken to the office where the Members and staff of the PCoI were staying. It was also observed that some of the parcels were being carried by staffers of the PCoI and that they were taken into the hall where the PCoI is conducting its hearings, all without any inspection.
Journalists had previously been instructed not to even mention the names of Members of the PCoI for security reasons. Given that fact, it is questionable as to why a witness, who came to testify before the PCoI, on the Easter Sunday bombings, was allowed to carry parcels without any inspection.
The incident raised a few eyebrows as the witness had come to give evidence before a PCoI, which is similar to a Court, bearing gifts to its members.
However, it was noted the PCoI had refused to accept the gifts. Due to the spread of COVID-19, lawyers and witnesses entering the PCoI hall are not being checked these days.( pix n inputs from Ceylon Today)
