The Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, has expressed his strong objection against appointing Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nilantha Jayawardena, who is currently the most senior officer in the Police Department, to head the Police Administration division.
By virtue of this appointment, he becomes the senior-most police officer next to the Inspector General of Police.
During a press conference organized by the Bishop’s House, Father Cyril Gamini Fernando said that Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena was a key person who did not prevent the brutal attack on Easter Sunday in 2019 despite knowing about it in advance.
Father Cyril Gamini pointed out that in Chapter 13 of the Presidential Commission Report specifies that he has neglected his responsibility. He also brought to the attention of the country that Nilantha Jayawardena has criminal liability for not preventing the Easter attack after sifting through the evidence.
It was emphasized here that the Attorney General should consider filing a criminal case against Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena under the relevant provisions of the Penal Code.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe is also making clear the need to protect Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nilantha Jayawardena in order to hide the truth behind the Easter Sunday bombings.
The Father also said that it is a disgraceful act to hide the conspiracy behind the Easter Sunday attack and protect the criminals as well.
Justice and fairness are also essential ingredients to develop a country and sustain a proper balance, he said.
“Through such appointments, the supremacy of the country’s law is undermined and challenged.” Father Cyril Gamini said.
The highest-ranking senior officers in the Sri Lanka Police have been accused of not preventing the Easter attack. Fr. Cyril Gamini said