Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks are making progress under the current government, but warned that certain factions are attempting to obstruct the probe.
Speaking at a special mass held on Tuesday to mark seven years since the bombings, the Archbishop expressed regret that the Attorney General and his Department had delayed action despite directives from the Presidential Commission to initiate proceedings against officials who failed in their duties — including former Presidents, Defence Ministry officials and Police.
Cardinal Ranjith said the Criminal Investigations Department must investigate any individual directly or indirectly involved in the attacks, irrespective of status. “Finding the mastermind of the Easter attacks is ensuring justice and upholding the fundamental rights of the victims and their families,” he said.
The Archbishop also called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fulfil his October 2024 pledge at Katuwapitiya Church that the government would not allow the truth to fade with time. He urged the President to conduct a comprehensive, truth-based investigation, stating that the struggle for justice will not end until the truth is revealed.
The main memorial ceremony was held at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo, site of one of the three church attacks. The National Catholic Council observed a nationwide two-minute silence from 8:45 AM to 8:47 AM as bells tolled in unison.
A justice procession led by the Cardinal, Catholic clergy and ambassadors whose citizens were killed in the attacks is scheduled to begin at 4 PM from Maris Stella College in Negombo and proceed to Katuwapitiya Church.
The coordinated April 21, 2019 suicide bombings targeted three churches and seven hotels, killing 269 people and leaving many with permanent disabilities. The hunt for the alleged mastermind and the question of political responsibility remain live political issues in Sri Lanka.
