Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has raised fresh concerns over the investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, stating that justice remains elusive more than five years after the attacks that killed over 250 people.
Addressing a service at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, the Archbishop of Colombo said the failure to identify and prosecute the perpetrators is a continuing injustice to the victims. He criticized the investigations as “haphazard,” adding that this approach disrespects those who lost their lives.
He expressed disappointment with the current government for failing to establish the promised special prosecutor’s office to handle the case. While acknowledging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s efforts to address corruption, he said the government’s failure to deliver justice for the Easter Sunday attacks remains a serious shortcoming.
Cardinal Ranjith alleged that certain factions are attempting to undermine the investigation. He referenced an affidavit from a U.S. government official, which identified several Muslim extremists as masterminds behind the attacks, and called for further investigation into possible foreign involvement and influence.
He also pointed to the lack of progress on implementing over 200 recommendations made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the bombings. “No political leader or party has taken steps to act on these recommendations, nor has a proper mechanism been introduced,” he said.
Cardinal Ranjith further criticized the Attorney General’s Department for not pursuing legal action against former high-ranking officials, including a former president, prime minister, and senior police and security officials, despite the commission’s recommendations. (Newswire)