Cardinal gives President five-week ultimatum on Easter attacks probe

Monday, 17 March 2025 04:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Archbishop of Colombo Malcom Cardinal Ranjith

Warns failure to deliver justice will force to take to the streets
Expresses deep disappointment over pledges made by former leaders, but failed to deliver

Archbishop of Colombo Malcom Cardinal Ranjith on Saturday gave President Anura Kumara Disanayake a five-week deadline to fulfil the Government’s promise of investigating the Easter Sunday attacks.

Speaking at a public forum at the Archbishop’s House in Colombo, he warned that failure to deliver justice would leave them with no choice but to take to the streets in protest.

“If we receive a fair and just response before the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday attacks, we will acknowledge it. If not, we will be forced to take to the streets once again,” he cautioned.

He expressed deep disappointment over the lack of progress, stating that former leaders had pledged accountability for the attacks, but failed to act.

“We supported the change in Government with the hope of breaking this cycle, but if the system remains the same, we will have to reconsider our stance,” he added.

The Cardinal recalled President Disanayake’s promise at the Katuwapitiya church, urging swift action.