Communications Director for the Colombo Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando urged all parties not to interfere with the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.
Addressing a special media briefing in Colombo yesterday (26), Fernando stressed that any attempt to obstruct the investigations would amount to a grave injustice to the victims.
Fr. Fernando noted the arrest of the former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief, (Retired) Major General Suresh Sallay in connection with the same, had been made as a result of the independent investigations that were carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Responding to questions as to whether the Catholic Church is satisfied with the manner in which the investigations are being carried out, he said that although it is a bit slow, the Church is satisfied with the way it is being carried out. He noted that there is no necessity for anyone to oppose the said arrest as it is the outcome of independent investigations.
Referring to the coordinated bombings that struck churches and hotels on Easter Sunday in 2019, killing nearly 300 people, Fernando described the killings as a “barbaric attack” and a “massacre” that claimed the lives of worshippers attending Easter services, as well as individuals from different religions and ethnic communities. The attacks, carried out on 21 April 2019, targeted several locations including the St. Anthony’s Shrine, the St. Sebastian’s Church and hotels in Colombo.
Fernando emphasised that uncovering the truth behind the attacks is essential to ensuring that the rule of law is properly upheld in the country. The failure to do so, he warned, would send a dangerous message that perpetrators of serious crimes can evade justice without consequence.
He further stated that politicising the investigations is unnecessary, noting that the probe is being conducted independently by the CID. Allowing the investigators to carry out their duties without interference is vital, he said. Any attempt to derail the investigations, he added, would be similar to committing another injustice against those who lost their lives or were injured in the bombings.
Fernando called on the general public and all stakeholders to remain patient and allow the investigations to proceed independently, expressing confidence that meaningful results would emerge.
He also underscored the need to determine whether there had been any political hand behind the attacks, who may have been responsible, and the motives behind carrying them out, insisting that the full truth must be revealed.