President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited Karuwapitiya Church today, where he promised that justice would be served for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. He emphasized that the investigation into the attacks would be sped up, and measures would be taken to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
During his visit, the President held a meeting at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, with the families of those who were killed and injured in the Easter Sunday attacks. The President also laid floral tributes at the memorial established to honor the victims.
In Conversation with Victims
In the discussion with the families, the President listened to their concerns and challenges. He acknowledged that the Easter Sunday attack, which occurred on April 21, 2019, was one of the most tragic events in recent history and that it would not be forgotten.
President Dissanayake also noted that many people voted in the last presidential election hoping to see justice for the Easter Sunday victims. He stressed that his own goals align with the people’s desire for fairness and justice in this matter and assured that efforts are already underway to achieve that.
investigating without any preconceived conclusions
He emphasized the importance of investigating without any preconceived conclusions or biases and directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security to ensure a transparent and objective process.
The President acknowledged that there is a widespread belief that the attacks may have been carried out for political gain. He warned that if innocent lives were sacrificed for political purposes, it would be a profound tragedy. He further emphasized the need to eliminate any political manipulation of such a horrific event.
There are also growing suspicions that the government at the time may have been involved in the attacks. President Dissanayake warned that if these allegations were true, it would leave the country in a dangerous and unstable state. Therefore, uncovering the truth behind these events is crucial, he said.
Emphasizes the need to deliver justice to the victims
President Dissanayake also emphasized the need to deliver justice to the victims and honor the love and devotion of their families. He expressed his appreciation for the role played by the priests who helped prevent greater social unrest after the attacks.
He further stressed that weakening the bonds of trust and harmony in society would pose a serious threat to the country’s well-being. A fair and transparent investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks is essential, he said.
President Dissanayake noted that for the past five years, those who gathered on the streets on April 21 have been driven by a hope for justice, which has kept them going.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, also spoke at the event. He shared that despite appealing to the Human Rights Commission in Geneva for justice, no resolution has been achieved. He also pointed out that while the government has provided support to the victims, the public continues to question the true cause of the attack.
Below is the video footage of the speech
