The Attorney General of Sri Lanka has filed indictments before the Polonnaruwa High Court against former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as Pillayan, and three others in connection with the abduction and murder of former Eastern University Vice Chancellor Professor Subramaniam Ravindranath.

The other accused named in the indictment are Kathirgathambi Jeyakishan (alias Jeyanthan), Nimal Devsukan (alias Jeyakandan), and Nadarasa Nagulendran (alias Simbu or Nagulan).

The charges relate to the alleged abduction and subsequent killing of Professor Ravindranath, who served as Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University. 

According to the case, the academic was abducted and murdered between December 16 and December 18, 2006. (Newswire)

The post Indictments filed against Pillayan over 2006 murder of Eastern University VC appeared first on Newswire.

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan, detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), has been ordered to be further remanded until August 12 by the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court.

The case was taken up today before Magistrate A. Darshini, with Pillayan produced via video link.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed charges against Pillayan and several others in connection with five murders committed in Batticaloa District in 2008. He has been named as the third suspect in the case.

Charges include five killings in the Kallady area and three accusations linked to a land dispute, which remain under judicial consideration. (Newswire)

The post Pillayan further remanded over 2008 Batticaloa killings appeared first on Newswire.

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, better known as Pillayan, has been ordered into remand custody until August 4 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

The order was issued by Batticaloa Magistrate and District Judge A. Darshini after the suspect was produced before court via online proceedings.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed cases against Pillayan and several others in connection with five murders reported in the Batticaloa District in 2008. 

During today’s hearing, three charges linked to killings in Kallady and one additional charge were taken up for examination. After considering submissions, the Magistrate directed that Pillayan remain in custody until August 4.

The CID has filed charges against him over the 2008 shooting near the Murugan Kovil in Kallady, which killed two people including a former police officer, the May 22, 2008 shooting in Batticaloa that left two individuals dead, and the August 20, 2008 killing in Vavuniya where an armed group shot and killed one person. 

The CID maintains that Pillayan is implicated in these incidents, which form part of one of the Eastern Province’s most high‑profile homicide cases. (Newswire)

The post Pillayan remanded until August 4 under PTA appeared first on Newswire.

Former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, has been ordered into further remand custody until July 24 in connection with investigations into five murders reported in Batticaloa in 2008.

The order was issued by Batticaloa Magistrate Annathurai Darshini after Pillayan was produced before court via video conferencing. 

He has been named the third suspect in the case filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

During proceedings, the court examined charges linked to multiple killings in Kallady, while witnesses testified and two defense lawyers made submissions on behalf of Pillayan. 

The CID told the court that the inquiry is based on evidence of several shootings carried out with T‑56 firearms in 2008.

Investigators allege Pillayan’s involvement in:

• The January 9, 2008 shooting near the Murugan Temple in Kallady that killed two people, including a former police officer.
• The May 22, 2008 attack on the main road in Kattankudy that left two dead.
• The August 20, 2008 killing of another individual in Kothiyapulai, Vavunathivu.

After reviewing submissions, Magistrate Darshini extended remand until July 24. In addition, a separate case linked to a land dispute in Kallady was postponed to October 29. (Newswire)

The post Pillayan further remanded over 2008 Batticaloa killings appeared first on Newswire.

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as Pillayan, was ordered into remand custody until July 13 in connection with investigations into five murders committed in several areas of the Eastern Province. 

The order was issued when the case was taken up before the Batticaloa Magistrate’s Court today (30).

The Criminal Investigation Department had earlier, on June 15, reported details of the 2008 killings to court. 

At that hearing, the Magistrate directed Welikada Prison authorities to produce Chandrakanthan, named as the third suspect in the case, at the next session.

Accordingly, he was presented before court this morning under tightened security arrangements. (Newswire)

The post Pillayan remanded until July 13 over Eastern Province murder investigations appeared first on Newswire.

The Supreme Court has concluded hearings on the fundamental rights petition filed by former Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, challenging his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Oral submissions in the case were completed today (02), after which the Court announced that the delivery of its judgment would be postponed.

In April 2026, Pillayan was remanded by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court pending the Attorney General’s recommendations over investigations into the 2006 disappearance of an Eastern Province Vice Chancellor. (Newswire)

The post Supreme Court concludes hearing of Pillayan’s FR petition appeared first on Newswire.

Former Eastern Province Governor Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as ‘Pillayan’, was remanded by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court pending the Attorney General’s recommendations over investigations into the 2006 disappearance of an Eastern Province Vice Chancellor.

According to court proceedings, Pillayan was produced after nearly a year in detention under detention orders, during which he had not been brought before the court.

He also appeared with a noticeably new look following the lengthy period in custody, drawing attention during his appearance.

The court ordered that he be remanded pending the Attorney General’s recommendations as investigations continue into the disappearance, which dates back to 2006.

Authorities are continuing inquiries into the case, with further legal steps expected following the Attorney General’s observations. (Newswire)

The post Pillayan remanded after court appearance following nearly a year in detention appeared first on Newswire.

The Supreme Court today (24) decided to hear a fundamental rights petition filed by former Eastern Province Chief Minister and TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan, challenging his alleged unlawful arrest and detention.

The petition claims violations of several fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including Article 12(1) (equality before the law), 12(2) (discrimination based on political opinion), 13(1) (arrest without reason), and 13(2) (arrest outside due process of law).

President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva and Attorney-at-Law Udaya Gammanpila appeared on behalf of the petitioner.

The court granted leave to proceed with the petition and will fix a date for further hearing. (Newswire)

The post Supreme Court to hear fundamental rights petition by Pillayan appeared first on Newswire.

The chief security officer of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been transferred with immediate effect by the Police Headquarters.

Accordingly, Chief Inspector Ashoka Ariyawansa, who served as Wickremesinghe’s main personal security officer, has been reassigned to the Kankesanthurai Police Station.

The transfer has received the approval of the National Police Commission, sources said.

Chief Inspector Ariyawansa has served in Wickremesinghe’s security detail for 23 years, including 15 years as his main personal security officer.

An official from the office of former President Wickremesinghe confirmed the transfer to Newswire. 

According to the Police, the transfer has been issued due to the officer’s attempt to obtain a phone call between Ranil Wickremesinghe and former MP Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan), who is currently detained by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

The Police further said the officer in question had contacted a CID official for this purpose. (Newswire)

The post Ranil’s longtime security officer transferred to Kankesanthurai appeared first on Newswire.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali has granted permission to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to obtain information on six social media accounts that had spread false and defamatory information on the Court of Appeal and Court of Appeal Judge Balendran Shashi Mahendran.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate issued the order to the Internet Surveillance and Intelligence Unit of the CID yesterday.

The court issued this order after considering a request made by the CID to question the social media accounts, as part of investigations conducted into a complaint filed by Court of Appeal Judge Balendran Shashi Mahendran.

In his complaint, the judge states that false information has been posted on these social media accounts, deemed insulting to the Court of Appeal and him, following the acquittal of former MP Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan) in the case related to the murder of MP Joseph Pararajasingham.

The CID also informed the court that the judge had indicated in his complaint that photographs of himself wearing his official court attire had been published in this regard.

The investigating officers further told the court that the judge had revealed that the Court of Appeal Registrar had informed the CID in writing that the case in question was never called before him.

The investigating officers informed the court that in addition to that incident, the Court of Appeal judge has requested the CID to conduct a formal investigation into the matter, as the social media accounts have also published false information about his personal life.

The investigating officers have pointed out that preliminary investigations into the complaint have found that there appears to be an attempt to undermine the public’s trust in the judiciary. (Newswire)

The post Court orders inquiry into 6 Social media accounts over defamatory claims appeared first on Newswire.

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe attempted to contact Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan) while detained at the Criminal Investigations Department, as he had served as a minister in his government, United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Thalatha Atukorale said. 

Speaking to reporters in Kegalle yesterday, Thalatha Atukorale said Pillayan was someone who had assisted Ranil Wickremesinghe and had also served as a minister in his government.

Thalatha Atukorale further said that it was his responsibility to inquire if a member of his regime had suddenly been taken into custody, adding that Ranil Wickremesinghe had only fulfilled this responsibility. 

Stating that there was no other reason behind this, Thalatha Atukorale said they would like it if they could summon the former President to the CID and question the reason for his attempt to contact Pillayan via telephone.

“There is nothing to hide here. They brought up Batalanda before, now they are holding on to this call. Now they also want to record a statement over his comments related to Chamara Sampath Dassanayake. We are ready to face these. We will not hide things, will not hide ourselves, and people cannot hide as well,” she added.

Thalatha Atukorale made the comments in response to questions raised by reporters on the former President’s request to speak to Pillayan via telephone, after the latter had been arrested and detained by the CID. 

However, the request made by the former President had been denied, with Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala stating that the request was denied because it is illegal for a suspect in custody to communicate by phone.

Pillayan was arrested by the CID on April 9 in Batticaloa and detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with the abduction and disappearance of a former vice chancellor of Eastern University. (Newswire)

The post Why did Ranil attempt to speak to Pillayan? UNP Gen Sec replies appeared first on Newswire.

Former MP Udaya Gammanpila says former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pillayan’ has been detained in connection with an alleged abduction case in the East, and not related to the 2019 Easter Attacks as claimed by the government.

Udaya Gammanpila, the counsel representing Pillayan, said that the order signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) is concerning unlawful activity connected to aiding and abetting the kidnapping of a person. 

Speaking to the media, Udaya Gammanpila said in no way does the order say the arrest and detention of Pillayan is connected to the Easter Attacks. 

The former Parliamentarian also pointed out that Pillayan could not have been privy to information related to the Easter Attacks, as he had been detained from 2015 to 2020.

“As such, if anyone says Pillayan is the mastermind of the Easter attacks, it is a joke. The Public Security Minister on 10th April claimed in Parliament that Pillayan has revealed details regarding the Easter attacks. On 12th April, the President said a person from Batticaloa had been arrested in connection with the Easter attacks. However, when I visited Pillayan on 13th April, it was evident that this man has not spoken a single word about the attacks, as claimed by the government,” Udaya Gammanpila said. 

The former Parliamentarian said it is evident that Pillayan had no way to know about the Easter Attacks as he was in remand custody before and during the attacks. 

Providing details on representing Pillayan as his lawyer, Udaya Gammanpila said he made the decision after being informed that Pillayan’s lawyers had been denied access to meet him.

Udaya Gammanpila said Pillayan’s lawyer, his friend, had informed him that his juniors had been denied access to Pillayan by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) when they had attempted to meet him on 09 April 2025. 

“After this, I met Pillayan’s family and obtained the necessary details. I then contacted the Director General of the CID via telephone and informed her that Pillayan’s family and lawyers had been denied access to him, which was a violation of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). I also informed her that as I am now Pillayan’s counsel and need to meet him, will I be given permission?” he said. 

Gammanpila said that upon being informed by the CID Director General to make the request in writing and doing so, he was granted permission to meet Pillayan.

“However, four Police officers were present during our meeting, which is not the ordinary practice during such instances. A meeting between a lawyer and his detained client should be confidential. But, despite requesting the Police officers to leave us alone, they rejected the request and remained present during our meeting,” he said, revealing details of the meeting. 

Udaya Gammanpila also said that Pillayan had broken down crying, questioning if he was being penalised for helping the country defeat the LTTE at the risk of his life and for how many more years he was going to be detained. 

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as ‘Pillayan’, was detained for 90 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on 12th April 2025 after being arrested by the CID in Batticaloa on 08th April. 

The detention is in connection with the 2006 abduction and disappearance of a university vice chancellor in the Eastern Province. (Newswire)

The post Pillayan cries, Gammanpila reveals details of meeting at CID appeared first on Newswire.

A request made by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to speak with former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, who is in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under a detention order, has been denied.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the former president had asked the CID for permission to speak with Chandrakanthan, who is currently detained.

According to reports, one of Wickremesinghe’s security officers contacted CID officials by phone to request the conversation.

Minister Wijepala said the request was denied because it is illegal for a suspect in custody to communicate by phone.

However, former Member of Parliament Udaya Gammanpila had been granted permission to meet with Chandrakanthan. Gammanpila had requested the meeting in his capacity as Chandrakanthan’s legal counsel, Minister Wijepala said.

He added that Gammanpila was recently allowed to visit the CID and speak with Chandrakanthan in the presence of CID officers.

Chandrakanthan was arrested by the CID on April 9 in Batticaloa in connection with the abduction and disappearance of a former vice chancellor of Eastern University. (Newswire)

The post Ranil’s request to Speak to Pillayan denied appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka Police say former Parliamentarian Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan was arrested in connection with investigations into the enforced disappearance of an individual.

The former State Minister and TMVP leader was arrested by a team of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officials in Batticaloa yesterday. 

The Police stated that the arrest was made in connection with the abduction and subsequent disappearance of an individual.

According to media reports, Pillayan has been arrested in connection with an investigation into the disappearance of a university vice-chancellor in the Eastern Province in 2006.

It is reported that the former Parliamentarian, who was arrested in Batticaloa last night, is being transported to Colombo. (Newswire)

The post Pillayan arrest : Police reveal more details appeared first on Newswire.

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan says the Criminal Investigations Department’s (CID) probe against him related to British media Channel 4’s documentary on the 2019 Easter attacks, was political revenge.

Speaking to the media today, Pillayan expressed regret that a government department was conducting a probe into baseless allegations. 

“Departments like the CID must work intelligently, without acting on whims of certain individuals,” he said.

The former state minister said he had informed the CID yesterday, during his 5-hour statement, that he wished to give his statement in Tamil, after which the CID informed him to report today to prepare the related language translation work.

Pillayan made the statement after reporting to the CID for the second consecutive day today to record a statement regarding the mentioning of his name in the Channel 4 documentary on the easter attacks. 

In September 2023, British media, ‘Channel 4’ released a video claiming that its Dispatches have exclusive interviews with high-placed whistleblowers who allege that some Sri Lankan government officials were complicit in the bombings.

Among the whistleblowers is Azad Maulana, the former spokesman of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP), Pillayan’s political party. 

Appearing in the ‘Channel 4’ video, Azad Maulana alleged that a meeting took place between Easter Sunday bomber Zahran Hashim and the head of the State Intelligence Service Suresh Sallay in the East, adding that he himself was present at the time of the meeting. 

Soon after the release of the video, then State Minister of Rural Road Development Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan addressed the Parliament regarding the allegations of links to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Commenting on the revelation, Pillayan denied any links to the Easter Sunday attacks or the bombers, saying such allegations are baseless and further accused his former spokesman of telling lies to strengthen his asylum claim overseas.

Pillayan informed Parliament at the time that Azad Maulana had officially informed the TMVP and left Sri Lanka the previous year along with his family over personal issues. 

Pillayan also called for international assistance to investigate not only the allegations revealed on the ‘Channel 4’ video, but also investigate Azad Maulana over his claims. (Newswire)

The post ‘Channel 4’ allegations : Pillayan says CID must work intelligently appeared first on Newswire.

Former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, widely known as Pillayan, appeared at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today to provide a statement.

The inquiry follows the mention of his name in last year’s ‘Channel 4’ News documentary investigating the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. 

In September 2023, British media, ‘Channel 4’ released a video claiming that its Dispatches have exclusive interviews with high-placed whistleblowers who allege that some Sri Lankan government officials were complicit in the bombings.

Among the whistleblowers is Azad Maulana, the former spokesman of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP), Pillayan’s political party. 

Appearing in the ‘Channel 4’ video, Azad Maulana alleged that a meeting took place between Easter Sunday bomber Zahran Hashim and the head of the State Intelligence Service Suresh Sallay in the East, adding that he himself was present at the time of the meeting. 

Soon after the release of the video, then State Minister of Rural Road Development Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan addressed the Parliament regarding the allegations of links to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Commenting on the revelation, Pillayan denied any links to the Easter Sunday attacks or the bombers, saying such allegations are baseless and further accused his former spokesman of telling lies to strengthen his asylum claim overseas.

Pillayan informed Parliament at the time that Azad Maulana had officially informed the TMVP and left Sri Lanka the previous year along with his family over personal issues. 

Pillayan also called for international assistance to investigate not only the allegations revealed on the ‘Channel 4’ video, but also investigate Azad Maulana over his claims. (Newswire)

The post Easter Attacks : Pillayan in CID appeared first on Newswire.

State Minister of Rural Road Development Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan today addressed in Parliament allegations of links to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

British media, Channel 4 yesterday released a video claiming that its Dispatches have exclusive interviews with high-placed whistleblowers who allege that some Sri Lankan government officials were complicit in the bombings.

Among the whistleblowers is Azad Maulana, the former spokesman of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP), Pillayan’s political party. 

Appearing in the Channel 4 video, Azad Maulana alleged that a meeting took place between Easter Sunday bomber Zahran Hashim and the head of the State Intelligence Service Suresh Sallay in the East, adding that he himself was present at the time of the meeting. 

Commenting on the revelation, State Minister Pillayan denied any links to the Easter Sunday attacks or the bombers saying such allegations are baseless.

State Minister Pillayan further accused his former spokesman of telling lies in order to strengthen his claim for asylum overseas.

Speaking in Parliament today, the state minister said Azad Maulana had officially informed the TMVP and left Sri Lanka over a year ago along with his family over personal issues. 

Stating that Channel 4 has caused grave harm to Sri Lanka via its videos in the past as well, State Minister Pillayan said he has nothing to fear over the recently released documentary.

The state minister further said that he has doubts that Azad Maulana was attempting to safeguard religious, political, and social forces that had links to the attackers. 

He also pointed out that these allegations could be considered attempts by certain factions to destroy his party’s presence in the East. 

State Minister Pillayan also called for international assistance to investigate not only the allegations revealed on the Channel 4 video, but also investigate Azad Maulana over his claims.

“Such videos and allegations can result in causing instability in Sri Lanka once again,” he warned. (NewsWire)

The post Channel 4 video : Pillayan responds to allegations appeared first on Newswire.