Fr. Praveen and Ruki released without charges

20 Mar 2014 Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) Fr. Praveen and Ruki released without charges ZoomBookmarkSharePrintListenThey also suspected us of submitting reports to international agencies that had harmful impacts on Sri Lanka Colleague of Fernando, lawyer and Rights Now Executive Director, Sudarshana Gunawardana who appeared for the two activists, speaking to Daily Mirror yesterday said, "Ruki and Fr. Praveen were presented before the JMO and thereafter before the Magistrate last night at about 11.30 pm. The TID officials stated that investigations had been concluded and Ruki and Fr. Praveen were being released without any charges." Meanwhile, Fr. Praveen speaking to Daily Mirror yesterday on his arrest said he would continue to work towards building peace and reconciliation despite safety concerns. "The TID officials repeatedly questioned Ruki and myself separately concerning our purpose of visit to the North and of our activities. They were particularly concerned of us visiting Jeyakumari who was arrested last week and it seemed that we had been followed for several days because they had a lot of photographic evidence. They suspected us of having connections with the LTTE and of attempts to help the LTTE reorganize. They also suspected us of submitting reports to international agencies that had harmful impacts on Sri Lanka. However, following interrogations they realised we were not guilty," Fr. Praveen said.