Spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, has requested that attempts not be made to obstruct the investigations related to the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attack.
Addressing a special media briefing held today (26 Feb), Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando said that the arrest of former State Intelligence Service Chief, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, was the outcome of investigations into the terror attacks.
“Investigations into the attacks were completely halted during former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure. During the Presidency of Ranil Wickremesinghe, too, the investigations did not proceed. The catholic church has always called for investigations to find those responsible for the attacks and bring them before the law to ensure justice for the victims and their families,” he said.
Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando further said that investigations into the Easter Attacks were conducted in a proper manner only after the current government assumed power.
“In the last 16 months, from November 2024 to date, the CID has been conducting a comprehensive and independent investigation into the Easter attacks. Fresh investigations commenced following the broadcast by Channel 4 on the conspiracy behind the Easter attacks, and based on information revealed by the former secretary of former Parliamentarian Pillayan. One outcome of the probe based on this information is the arrest of Suresh Sallay. We believe there was sufficient evidence for his arrest. He is only a suspect at present. The court will decide if he is at fault or not,” he said.
Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando noted that there was no need to make statements and give various interpretations to such arrests, and that there was no need to politicize them.
“This is an independent investigation carried out by the CID. Allowing these investigations to be conducted independently is what is good. Otherwise, attempts to disrupt these investigations are seen as an injustice done to the victims who were killed and injured in this attack. Therefore, we request everyone not to obstruct these investigations. These investigations must go forward. We believe that some results will come from these investigations. Therefore, we kindly request that these investigations be allowed to proceed and that people wait patiently,” he added. (Newswire)
