Cardinal criticises Govt. of inaction on Easter Sunday probe

Saturday, 14 June 2025 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith expresses frustration over lack of justice for 2019 Easter Sunday bombing victims
Accuses successive Govts. of failing to identify and prosecute masterminds behind attacks
Criticises current administration for not establishing promised special prosecutor’s office
Highlights failure to act on over 200 recommendations from Presidential Commission of Inquiry
Says continued inaction dishonours victims and undermines national accountability
Urges deeper investigation into foreign links
Condemns Attorney General’s Department for not prosecuting top officials cited in PCoI report

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith on Thursday renewed his call for justice for the victims of the deadly Easter Sunday bombings that shook the country in 2019, expressing frustration over what he described as a failure by successive governments to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.

He made these remarks speaking during a solemn service at the 191st Annual Feast of St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, one of the churches targeted in the coordinated suicide bombings that killed over 250 people.

The Cardinal charged authorities of conducting a haphazard investigation, noting they disrespect the memory of the victims and continue the injustice they and their families endured.

He voiced particular disappointment with the current Government under President Anura Kumara Disanayake for failing to establish the special prosecutor’s office that has been promised to exclusively handle the Easter Sunday case, which lacks progress for the past six years.

Although he commended the President’s broader anti-corruption efforts, Cardinal Ranjith stressed that failure to deliver justice for the Easter Sunday bombings represents a major shortcoming in the Government’s commitment to accountability.

He also alleged that elements within the country are working to derail the investigation. Referring to an affidavit from a US Government Official, the Cardinal said the document named several Muslim extremists as the masterminds behind the attacks.

Cardinal Ranjith urged further inquiry into potential foreign links and influence in the planning and execution of the bombings.

In addition, he raised concern about the lack of progress in implementing over 200 recommendations made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI), which was tasked with investigating the attacks.

He criticised both past and present political leaders for their inaction and failure to introduce a proper follow-up mechanism.

The Cardinal claimed the Attorney General’s Department for not pursuing legal action against several high-ranking former officials, including former President, Prime Minister and Senior Police and Intelligence Officers, despite their alleged negligence being highlighted in the PCoI’s findings.

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