President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made remarks yesterday (06) during a discussion held at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, with the families of those affected by the Easter Sunday attacks.
During the morning visit, President Dissanayake paid tribute to the victims by laying flowers at the memorial and received a commemorative gift. He met with the families, listening to their concerns, and emphasized that the Easter Sunday attacks of April 21, 2019, remain one of the most tragic events in recent history, vowing that the tragedy will not be forgotten with time.
The President expressed his belief that one of the reasons for the people’s choice in the last presidential election was their demand for justice concerning the attacks. He assured that his administration is aligned with this goal and that efforts to deliver justice are already underway.
President Dissanayake stressed the need for a fair and unbiased investigation into the attack and instructed the Ministry of Public Security to ensure transparency and objectivity. He acknowledged the widespread suspicion that the attacks may have been politically motivated, stating that if innocent lives were sacrificed for political gain, it would represent a grave tragedy for the nation. He emphasized that uncovering the truth behind these events is critical to ensuring the country’s stability.
The President also touched on growing doubts about the involvement of the government at the time of the attacks. If proven true, he warned, this would further destabilize the country, making it crucial to uncover the facts. He reiterated that justice must be delivered to the victims to honor their families’ pain and sacrifices.
He also praised the role played by the priests in preventing further social unrest in the aftermath of the attacks, thanking them for their efforts.
President Dissanayake highlighted that a lack of trust and harmony within society could pose a serious threat to the nation’s well-being, further underscoring the need for a fair and transparent investigation. He noted that for the past five years, people have continued to march in pursuit of justice every April 21, driven by their hope for closure.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, also spoke at the event, expressing frustration over the lack of resolution from the Human Rights Commission in Geneva despite appeals for justice. He acknowledged the government’s efforts to support the victims but noted that the public still seeks answers to the true cause of the attacks.
Cardinal Ranjith voiced his confidence in President Dissanayake, highlighting the trust the people of Sri Lanka have in him and his integrity. He expressed his belief that the President would hold those responsible for the attacks accountable and deliver justice.
