President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to expedite investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and take measures to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again in the country. He assured the victims’ families that justice will be served.
The President made these statements during a discussion held today (October 6) at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, with the families of those killed and injured in the attack, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).
During his visit to the church, President Dissanayake laid floral tributes at the memorial honoring the victims. He was also presented with a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.
In his discussion with the victims’ families, the President listened to their concerns and emphasized that the Easter Sunday attacks, which occurred on April 21, 2019, represent one of the most tragic disasters in Sri Lanka’s recent history. He vowed that this tragedy would not fade into obscurity with time.
President Dissanayake noted that a key factor influencing the people’s decision in the last presidential election was their desire for justice regarding the attacks. He affirmed that his administration shares the public’s goal of delivering justice, adding that efforts to achieve this have already begun.
The President highlighted the importance of conducting a transparent, unbiased investigation, free from preconceived conclusions. He directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security to ensure that the investigation is impartial and based on openness and objectivity.
President Dissanayake also acknowledged a widespread societal belief that the attacks may have been politically motivated. He warned that if innocent lives were sacrificed for political gain, it would be an enormous tragedy. He stressed that, if such extremities have infiltrated politics, the first priority must be to eliminate this dangerous situation.
Moreover, the President addressed growing suspicions that elements of the government apparatus at the time may have been involved in the attacks. If these allegations prove true, he warned, the country would remain in a dangerously unstable and insecure state. He emphasized the need to uncover the truth behind these events to restore stability.
In his remarks, President Dissanayake reiterated that justice must be delivered to the nearly 274 victims and their families, honoring their love and devotion. He expressed his deep appreciation for the role played by priests in preventing further social unrest in the aftermath of the attacks, extending his gratitude for their efforts once again.
The President emphasized that the bonds of trust and harmony within society must not be weakened. He cautioned that if people begin to view one another with anger and suspicion, it would pose a significant threat to the community’s well-being. Therefore, a fair and transparent investigation into the attacks is crucial.
He also noted that for the past five years, those who gathered on the streets every April 21 have been driven by hope for justice, which continues to sustain them year after year.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, spoke at the event, expressing disappointment that despite appeals to the Human Rights Commission in Geneva for justice, no resolution has been achieved. He acknowledged the government’s efforts to support the victims but emphasized that the public continues to question the true cause of the attack.
Cardinal Ranjith expressed his belief in President Dissanayake, praising the trust Sri Lankans have in him and appreciating his integrity. He expressed confidence that the President will deliver on his promise of justice and hold those responsible for the attacks accountable.
Rev. Fr. Manjula Niroshan, the mission head of Katuwapitiya Church, along with a large number of Easter attack victims and devotees, attended the event, according to the PMD.
