Attorney General Dappula De Livera has directed the Acting IGP to immediately commence a criminal investigation into the spread of COVID-19 from the Minuwangoda Brandix Cluster.

The Acting IGP was further ordered to submit a preliminary progress report on the investigation on or before November 13.

Attorney General’s Coordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne told news media that this decision was taken following a special discussion held yesterday with Police Spokesperson, DIG Ajith Rohana regarding the danger to human life caused by the Minuwangoda Brandix COVID-19 Cluster.

She has stated that attention should be paid through the investigation to the direct negligence of the administrators and agents of the institution as well as the negligence of any related government official or officials in contributing to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the Attorney General instructed  the Acting IGP to immediately initiate a criminal investigation in accordance with the powers vested in him under Section 393 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code. It was further instructed to investigate and report on whether there are any offenses under the Penal Code or the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance.