Govt. must fast track justice by releasing Easter Sunday report: SJB

Thursday, 18 February 2021 03:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SJB Parliamentarian Hesha Withanage addressing reporters yesterday

Says delay in public access to PCoI report worsens plight of victims awaiting justice
Reiterates importance of accountability irrespective of status

Delays in releasing the presidential commission report on the Easter Sunday bombings and related incidents of 2019 will delay justice for the victims of the terrorist attack, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Hesha Withanage said yesterday.

Responding to a question at a press conference, Withanage questioned the motives behind why the Government was dragging its feet regarding the release of the much-anticipated report.

“Given the history of commissions appointed by Governments to probe matters in this country, the public is well-aware that we can’t expect much justice from such reports. We have our suspicions on why the Government is not releasing the report. One of the Government’s main accusations against the Opposition prior to the elections was that some in our camp were supporting or collaborating with the terrorists. So, why are they holding back now? What do they have to hide?” the opposition MP questioned.

Withanage said that the opposition will expose any attempts to change the completed report before it is revealed to the public. “We will be able to find out if any changes have been made to it when the report is submitted to the Parliament,” he stated, pointing out that the public expect justice for those responsible for the attack, whoever it may be. (AF)