Pillayaan remanded under 90 day DO order over Easter Sunday attacks

Ex Chief Minister S. Chandrakanthan alias Pillayaan was arrested earlier over killings of slain TNA MP Joseph Pararajasingham in 2015. 

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) secured a 90 day Detention Order under Prevention Terrorism Act (PTA) against militant turned politician Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan to probe his alleged involvement over 2019- Easter Sunday attacks.

Last week Parliament was told by Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala that Pillayaan was taken into custody over the deadly attacks that took over 278 lives and maimed hundreds in churches and luxury hotels. 

The Detention Order was signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Defense as well. 

Earlier Pillayan was taken into custody on Tuesday (8) by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Police claimed at that time that he was arrested over the abduction of an individual many suspecting over the abduction and enforced disappearance of Vice Chancellor of Eastern University Prof S. Raveendiranath. 

His arrest and detention under PTA came under severe criticism by local civil society groups alleging that the NPP government which declared to abolish the draconian law continued to implement it. (Northeastern Monitor/ April 12/2025).