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On the sixth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith renewed his call for justice, accusing political forces of obstructing the truth and urging President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to fulfill his promise to the victims.
During a solemn memorial service held at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade on April 21, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith once again demanded accountability for the devastating Easter Sunday terror attacks that claimed over 250 lives in 2019.
The Archbishop of Colombo accused remnants of the former political regime of continuing to conceal the truth behind the coordinated bombings. He warned that a hidden ‘para-state’ continues to operate through government institutions, influenced by politically defeated forces, obstructing justice for the victims.
Addressing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directly, Cardinal Ranjith emphasized the need for concrete action and presented a comprehensive seven-point request:
Transparency: Present the complete report on the Easter Sunday attacks to Parliament and make it accessible to the public.
Independent Oversight: Establish a neutral prosecutor’s office to handle all investigations and legal proceedings related to the attacks.
Full Accountability: Identify all responsible parties, regardless of status, and prosecute them without delay.
Implementation of Commission Recommendations: Enforce the recommendations made in the Presidential Commission report dated September 21, 2019.
Investigate Alleged Links: Probe possible connections between Military Intelligence and suicide bomber Zahran Hashim, along with claims made in the UK’s Channel 4 documentary.
Dismantle Paramilitary Power: Enact new laws to eliminate unlawful and politically backed paramilitary groups.
Political Reform: Promote a new political ethos where leaders serve the people rather than dominate them.
The Cardinal criticized former Attorney General Dappula de Livera for neglecting credible evidence of a larger conspiracy and condemned current legal institutions for allegedly shielding those in power instead of upholding public accountability.
While acknowledging President Dissanayake’s past promises—including one made at Katuwapitiya in 2024—Cardinal Ranjith expressed disappointment over the inaction of certain state officials and flaws in the existing legal system. He stressed that if current laws are inadequate, it is the government’s moral responsibility to amend them.
He concluded his address with a heartfelt plea: “It is our sincere hope, Mr. President, that you will not allow this national tragedy to be buried by time. Justice must prevail, and all those involved must be held accountable.”
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