Sajith renews call for independent probe into Easter attacks

Friday, 10 April 2026 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday in Parliament renewed calls for an independent and transparent investigation into the Easter Sunday bombings, stating that seven years on, those responsible remain unidentified despite repeated assurances by successive Governments.

Premadasa told the house that said justice cannot be achieved through political confrontation or retaliation, but through credible and accountable investigative mechanisms, including the full disclosure of all past inquiry reports. He noted that findings of Presidential Commissions remain largely inaccessible, leaving victims without closure and eroding public confidence.

He raised a series of unresolved issues linked to the attacks, including reports of an IP address associated with an individual known as “Sonic Sonic,” allegedly connected to associates of Zahran Hashim. Premadasa said the alleged links to intelligence services must be investigated transparently.

He also referred to a firearm recovered during the Sainthamaruthu incident, which was traced back to an Eravur Police officer in 2008 and reportedly linked to the Vavunativu police killings. While DNA tests had been conducted, he said clear conclusions have yet to be established.

Premadasa further said the role of individuals holding public office at the time, including the then Eastern Province Governor, must be examined. He also called for investigations into the background of individuals connected to the attackers, including financial links and associations.

He warned against politicising allegations involving public figures, noting that several Members of Parliament have been named in various claims, and stressed that such matters must be addressed through evidence-based inquiries rather than political narratives.

Highlighting reports of assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in tracing communications linked to Zahran, Premadasa said international cooperation should be expanded.

He called for both local and international investigative bodies to be engaged, emphasising that transparency and independence are essential to restore public trust and deliver justice to victims.