Additional Solicitor General President’s Counsel Dileepa Peiris has called for an end to the practice of merely forwarding important official communications with the notation “FNA” — For Necessary Action — citing the handling of intelligence ahead of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Peiris said it was time to move away from the “FNA” culture and ensure officials take responsibility for acting on critical information rather than simply passing it down the chain.

Referring to intelligence received ahead of the Easter Sunday attacks, Peiris said information communicated by the then State Intelligence Service chief on April 9, 2019, had been forwarded by then IGP Pujith Jayasundara to four divisions, including a unit responsible for VIP security.

He said the communication had been forwarded with the notation “FNA,” questioning whether such an approach was adequate when dealing with intelligence concerning a serious security threat.

Peiris also recalled that the Attorney General’s Department subsequently filed 855 charges against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former IGP Jayasundara over their alleged failure to take adequate action despite receiving prior intelligence.

Peiris said the experience demonstrated why merely writing “FNA” and forwarding information should no longer be considered sufficient when officials have a responsibility to act. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal today (23) ordered that further consideration of the writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, seeking to prevent his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, be postponed until August 3.

The petition was taken up this morning, with President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva appearing on behalf of Rajapaksa and presenting reply submissions.

Following the submissions, the bench directed that the matter be deferred to August 3 for further arguments. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal today resumed consideration of a writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking an order to prevent his arrest and detention in relation to investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Rajapaksa appeared before court today (23) as the petition was taken up for further examination.

The matter had previously been considered on July 9 for the fourth day before a bench comprising Court of Appeal President Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Sarath Dissanayake, when further proceedings were postponed until today. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal today postponed to July 06 further submissions in the petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. 

The petition was heard for the second consecutive day before a bench comprising Court of Appeal President Justice Rohanthaa Abeysuriya and Justice Sarath Disanayake.

Appearing for Rajapaksa, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva presented additional submissions during today’s proceedings. 

Following this, the bench ordered that further arguments be deferred until July 6. (Newswire)

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The Court of Appeal today ordered that further consideration of the petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, seeking an order to prevent his arrest in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, be postponed until June 24.

The petition was taken up before a bench comprising Justices Rohantha Abeysuriya and Sarath Disanayake.

Appearing for the petitioner, President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva presented submissions on behalf of Rajapaksa. Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath represented the respondents.

The respondents named in the petition are the Inspector General of Police, Criminal Investigation Department Director Shani Abeysekara, Acting Director Madhava Gunawardena, and the Attorney General.

The case will return to court on June 24 for further consideration. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) has issued a statement questioning whether the Sri Lankan government has sought access to material from the U.S. investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The party recalled that then‑Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had requested a full investigation by the U.S. Government immediately after the attacks, citing limited expertise within local agencies. Wickremesinghe also made a similar request during a phone call with the U.S. President Donald Trump on April 22, 2019.

The FBI subsequently conducted a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with Sri Lankan authorities including the CID, Military Intelligence, and State Intelligence Services. A report was handed over to the Sri Lankan government and accepted by all relevant agencies.

The UNP noted that FBI Special Agent Merrilee R. Godwin filed a 71‑page affidavit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on November 12, 2020, following a two‑year probe. A criminal case was filed in Los Angeles on December 11, 2020, naming suspects already detained in Sri Lanka.

According to the UNP, all material from the U.S. investigation remains with the FBI and the Department of Justice. 

The party questioned whether the Sri Lankan government has formally requested this material since restarting its own investigation, and if not, why such a step has not been taken. 

The UNP stressed that the documents must be made available to judicial authorities in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial‑at‑Bar has fixed July 31 to deliver verdicts in two high‑profile cases against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara, both accused of criminal neglect in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The Attorney General filed charges alleging that despite receiving intelligence warnings of the imminent attacks, the officials failed to take preventive measures, amounting to dereliction of duty.

The case against Hemasiri Fernando was heard today before the three‑judge bench comprising Priyantha Liyanage, Viraj Weerasooriya, and Thilakaratne Bandara. 

Counsel Chaminda Athukorala concluded oral submissions on behalf of Fernando, after which the bench announced the verdict date.

Meanwhile, the trial against Pujith Jayasundara concluded last Friday, with the same bench ordering that judgment in his case, too, be delivered on July 31. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar has announced that the verdict in the case against former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara, linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, will be delivered on July 31.

Jayasundara faces charges of criminal neglect of duty for allegedly failing to act on intelligence warnings of an imminent terrorist attack. 

The case was taken up today (12) before the Trial-at-Bar bench comprising Judges Priyantha Liyanage, Viraj Weerasooriya, and Thilakaratne Bandara. Oral and written submissions from all parties have now been concluded.

Meanwhile, the parallel case against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, also facing similar allegations, was heard today. 

Additional Solicitor General Sudarshana de Silva presented submissions for the complainant, while Attorney Chaminda Athukorala appeared for Fernando. The court ordered that Athukorala’s further submissions be continued on Monday (15).

The two high-profile cases are connected to proceedings surrounding the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. (Newswire)

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The Attorney General’s Department today (12) informed the Court of Appeal that no decision has been taken at this stage to arrest or detain Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Waruna Jayasundara under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, appearing for the Attorney General, made the announcement during the hearing of a writ petition filed by Jayasundara. 

The petition seeks an order preventing his arrest and detention in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

Following submissions, the Court of Appeal directed that the petition be taken up again next Wednesday (17). (Newswire)

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The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today ordered an overseas travel ban on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two army officers in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena also ordered the Court Registrar to immediately forward the order to the Controller of Immigration and Emigration.

The orders were issued when the case involving retired Major General Suresh Sallay, former Director of the State Intelligence Service, was taken up in court. 

Sallay has been named as a suspect in the proceedings. (Newswire)

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Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris on Wednesday told the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks were facing serious obstacles due to alleged intimidation of witnesses by Army intelligence personnel, while vowing that all conspirators would be brought before the court before the eighth anniversary of the attacks.

Making submissions when the case over alleged attempts to derail investigations into the 2018 Vavunathivu police killings and the 2019 Sainthamaruthu explosion was taken up, Peiris said several witnesses who had given statements before the court were being pressured to withdraw their evidence.

He alleged that after the last hearing, Army intelligence officers had visited the home of a witness and threatened the individual.

Peiris further claimed of a plan to plant weapons at the witness’s residence, and a plan had been made to arrest the person through another law enforcement unit.

The case was called before Isuru Neththikumara.

Meanwhile, former State Intelligence Service Director, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, who is in remand custody as the third suspect, was produced before the court by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

During submissions, Peiris said the Easter Sunday attacks were part of a larger organised conspiracy and alleged earlier opportunities to uncover those responsible had been deliberately suppressed.

He also told the court that investigators would not allow the case to reach its eighth anniversary without action.

“We will bring all conspirators before the court within a year,” he said, referring to the upcoming eighth anniversary of the Easter Sunday bombings in 2027.

Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara observed that the matter was highly sensitive and stressed that facts placed before the court must be capable of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

“This is not a game,” the Magistrate said, urging investigators to present evidence that would stand in court.

Counsel appearing for Suresh Sallay rejected the allegations and said many incidents referred to by the prosecution had occurred when his client was neither serving as the intelligence chief nor in the country.

After considering submissions, the Magistrate extended the remand order on Suresh Sallay and directed the CID to produce him again on the next hearing date. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of a new committee to oversee the implementation of recommendations made following the Easter Sunday Attacks.

The committee will comprise an expert in counter‑terrorism and national security, together with representatives from relevant ministries and institutions, and will function under the supervision of the Presidential Secretariat.

The move is aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the recommendations made by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter Sunday attacks and the then Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Although Cabinet approval was first granted in May 2021 to implement the recommendations and propose measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents, officials noted that no systematic, formal, or sustainable mechanism has yet been established to monitor progress. As a result, there has been no effective evaluation of how far the recommendations have been put into practice, the minister said.

“This is a complex process, and we are not prepared to relinquish any part of it. We will also review reports by previous governments and consider their recommendations,” he said, responding to questions on why the measure is being implemented at this stage, years after it was discussed in Parliament.

The newly approved committee is expected to provide a broad, organized structure prioritizing public and national security, while ensuring accountability and sustained monitoring of the recommendations. (Newswire)

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The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, says investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks are making progress under the current government.

Addressing the special mass held this morning to mark seven years since the attacks, the Archbishop noted that certain factions are attempting to obstruct the investigations.

He expressed regret over the Attorney General and his Department delaying action despite directives from the Presidential Commission to initiate proceedings against officials, including Presidents, Defence Ministry officials, and Police, who failed to carry out their duties in connection with the attacks.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith further stated that it is essential for the Criminal Investigations Department to investigate individuals directly or indirectly involved in the attacks, irrespective of their status.

“Finding the mastermind of the Easter attacks is ensuring justice and upholding the fundamental rights of the victims and their families,” he said.

The Archbishop also called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fulfil his promise made at Katuwapitiya Church in October 2024 that the government would not allow the truth to fade with time.

He urged the President to conduct a comprehensive, truth‑based investigation to uncover the reality behind the 2019 Easter attacks, adding that they hope current efforts will be continued.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith stressed that their struggle for justice will not end until the truth is revealed. (Newswire)

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Churches across Sri Lanka fell into solemn silence at 8:45 am today (21) as bells tolled in unison to honour the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

The nationwide commemoration formed part of special programmes held across churches in remembrance of the victims

At the St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade, Colombo, where one of the attacks occurred, religious leaders and dignitaries gathered for a special mass and lit candles in memory of the victims.

Today marks seven years since the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings, in which at least 250 people were killed by suicide bombers who targeted churches and hotels. (Newswire)

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A new report released ahead of the seventh anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks says Sri Lanka’s long-running investigations are only now showing signs of progress, while warning that key questions remain unanswered.

The report titled “Memory, Pain and the Hope”, published by the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR), highlights that despite multiple probes over the years, justice has yet to be fully delivered and crucial evidence has not been made public. 

The CSR notes that at least eight separate investigations have been conducted since the coordinated bombings on April 21, 2019, which targeted churches, hotels and other locations, killing more than 250 people and injuring hundreds. 

According to the report, several of these investigations revealed indications that the attacks may not have been carried out solely by extremist preacher Zahran Hashim and his group, pointing instead to the possibility of a “hidden hand” behind the operation. 

The report stresses that uncovering all those responsible, including any alleged masterminds, remains essential to delivering justice and preventing similar attacks in the future.

It also raises concerns over delays, lack of transparency, and alleged interference in investigations, including the transfer of investigators and failure to release full reports of key commissions.

Among its key recommendations, the CSR calls for:

• The publication of all investigation reports and evidence
• Protection for investigators from pressure or threats
• A fully empowered independent commission with local and foreign experts
• Swift legal action against those identified as responsible

The report further highlights that as many as 41 cases related to the attacks have emerged, underscoring the complexity and scale of the investigations. 

While noting recent developments as a “foundation for hope,” the CSR warns that sustained public pressure will be required to ensure accountability.

The organisation urged authorities to make 2026 a turning point in the pursuit of justice, stating that victims and their families continue to seek truth and closure even seven years after the tragedy. 

Full report: https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/CSR-report-on-Easter-Attacks-Memory-Pain-Seeking-Justice-After-07-Years-17Apr2026-Eng-full-report.pdf  (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has renewed calls for independent and transparent investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings, stressing that seven years on, the masterminds remain unidentified despite repeated promises by successive governments.

Speaking in Parliament, Premadasa said political mudslinging and revenge must be avoided, and that justice can only be delivered if all past inquiry reports are made public and perpetrators are identified through accountable mechanisms. 

He lamented that Presidential Commission reports remain confined to archives, leaving victims without closure and justice trapped in political propaganda.

Premadasa highlighted several unresolved issues and figures linked to the attack and related incidents:

• He pointed to reports of an IP address linked to a figure known as “Sonic Sonic,” allegedly connected to Zaharan Hashim’s associates. He said this address was tied to intelligence services and must be investigated transparently.
• He noted that a firearm found during the Sainthamaruthu blast was traced back to Adam Lebbe of Eravur Police in 2008, and the same weapon was reportedly used in the Vavunativu police killings. He said DNA tests have been conducted but clear findings are still lacking.
• Premadasa stressed that the current Deputy Defence Minister was serving as Eastern Province Governor at the time of the attacks, and his responsibility must be examined.
• He recalled that Ibrahim, a JVP national list candidate, had two sons who became suicide bombers, and said their connections and Ibrahim’s alleged financial support to extremists must be investigated.
• He said even Members of Parliament have been accused as masterminds, including Rishad Bathiudeen, Hejaaz Hizbullah, and now Mujibur Rahuman. He warned against politicizing these allegations and insisted that truth must be revealed without bias.

Premadasa also pointed to reports of FBI assistance in tracing communications linked to Zaharan, and said such international cooperation must be expanded. 

He called for both local and international security organizations to be engaged in uncovering the truth, stressing that transparency is essential to restore public trust.

The Opposition Leader concluded that public confidence in the investigations has eroded, and therefore, international investigative bodies must be involved to ensure fairness and accountability. 

Justice, he said, must be delivered to all victims of the Easter Sunday tragedy, and the truth must be revealed without political exploitation. (Newswire)

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Retired Major General Suresh Sallay, the former head of Sri Lanka’s State Intelligence Service, has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal challenging his arrest and detention by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The arrest was made under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with ongoing investigations related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

The petition, submitted through his lawyers, names several senior officials as respondents. 

Among them are Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, CID Director Shani Abeysekara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Reverend Rohan Silva, and the Attorney General. (Newswire)

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The main opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), says the party does not agree with the facts in the book written by former MP Udaya Gammanpila, titled ‘The Mastermind of the Easter Attack’.

Addressing the media, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara said party members, including Leader Sajith Premedasa, attended the book launch, as they were invited for the event.

“When someone invites for a book launch, we attend. This doesn’t mean we know the contents of the book before the launch. We attended the book launch to know of its content. Just because we attended the event doesn’t mean that we agree with the facts,” he said.

Ranjith Maddumabandara further said that the SJB does not agree with all the facts revealed in the book, adding that the Opposition party stands by its stance, calling for the mastermind to be found and brought before the law. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Navin Dissanayake has criticized the book launch by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila on the Easter Sunday attacks, claiming the event was an attempt to “whitewash the Rajapaksas.”

In a statement on social media, Dissanayake said the event was held to unveil the “mastermind” behind the Easter attacks, but noted that the individual identified was Zahran Hashim, who had already been named in the Presidential Commission report.

“There was a function to unveil the mastermind of the Easter attacks. Surprise, surprise — the mastermind was mentioned as Zahran Hashim, who was, anyway, mentioned in the Presidential Commission report,” Dissanayake said.

He further remarked that the event being held yesterday was ironic, describing it as something that “should have been held on April Fool’s Day.”

Dissanayake also expressed regret that several opposition figures attended the event, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Sagala Ratnayaka, Wajira Abeywardena, and Thalatha Athukorala.

The book launch by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila focused on findings related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and was attended by several political figures. (Newswire)

There was a function yes to unveil the mastermind(මහා මොළකරු) of the easter attacks.Surprise surprise the matermind was mentioned as Zahran Hashim who was anyway mentioned in the Presidential comission report.This shld have been held today April fools https://t.co/YNlsCEC8V9 was… pic.twitter.com/QO9z2jRc7p

— Navin Dissanayake (@NavinDissa) April 1, 2026

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Leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) and former MP Udaya Gammanpila says the alleged mastermind behind the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, whom the government has not disclosed so far, will be revealed to the country on March 31.

Addressing a media briefing held in Colombo today (16), Gammanpila said that after conducting research for about one and a half years, a book titled ‘Finding the Mastermind of the Easter Sunday Attacks’ has been prepared.

He further said that the research book is expected to be launched on March 31 at 3.30 pm at the Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanti Mandiraya in Colombo.

“The Easter Sunday attack has been exploited for seven years. Governments were formed, governments were toppled, and without any basis, soldiers were harassed and persecuted using the Easter Sunday attack. Now the time has come to put an end to this fraud. We are ready to reveal the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks on March 31,” he said. (Newswire)

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