MR to pen letter to President and PM requesting independent commission on Easter Sunday attacks

• Wants tough actions against those linked to attacks
• Says no faith in PSC impartiality, ability to take action 
• Calls for political leaders to stand against criticism of religious leaders
• Pledges to take tough action if his supporters criticise religious leaders 

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said he will send letters to President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to appoint an independent commission to investigate the Easter Sunday attacks as the Opposition has no confidence in the ongoing Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to hold those responsible to account. 

Opposition parliamentarians loyal to Rajapaksa earlier rejected the PSC process, and refused to be part of the PSC process, questioning its transparency and effectiveness. 

Speaking to media at the Opposition Leader’s official residence, Rajapaksa charged the Government had failed to conduct a proper investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks.

“It has been more than three months since the attack, but I have not seen the Government taking measures to identify those behind the attacks. The behaviour of the Government cannot be accepted, and the Government should act immediately to arrest those responsible for the attacks,” Rajapaksa said.

He noted those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks should be given the toughest punishments under the law. According to Rajapaksa, the investigation of the Easter Sunday attacks have dragged on for too long, and the public are impatient to see results.

Rajapaksa said he disagreed with the composition of the PSC, and emphasised there were lapses in the proceedings of the PSC and its composition. 

“Opinion was divided on whether we should participate in the PSC or not, but the majority of MPs were against that decision. Therefore we have decided to not participate in the PSC out of respect for their views.”

Rajapaksa also said politicians should be prevented from criticising religious leaders. In his view leaders of the respective political parties should take necessary steps to prevent their members criticising the clergy. He noted politicians should not drag religious leaders’ statements and actions into politics, and emphasised all religions should be treated equally.

“If any member of our group criticises any religious leader, we will not hesitate to take tough action against him. We respect all religions and every community equally,” he said.