Bishop expresses optimism as Sri Lanka reopens probe into 2019 Easter attacks

By LiCAS News

The attacks, which targeted three churches and three hotels on April 21, 2019, claimed the lives of 279 people and injured hundreds.

“The fact that the new government of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, newly elected president, has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the 2019 Easter attacks is certainly a good sign,” said Archbishop Peter Antony Wyman Croos in an interview with the Vatican. Fides news agency.

“We look to the future with greater hope for justice. And we can say that we are confident,” added the Bishop of Ratnapura.

The investigation into these attacks, which have long cast a shadow over Sri Lanka’s politics and security, is at the heart of many people’s concerns. The government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has confirmed its intention to launch a new investigation.

Government spokesperson and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath assured the public that no one responsible for the tragedy would escape legal repercussions.

“A proper investigation has been opened into the Easter Sunday attacks. We assure the people of Sri Lanka that we will not pave the way for injustice. We will not hide or protect anyone. All those responsible for this event will be brought to justice through appropriate legal channels,” Mr. Herath said in a public statement.

He also promised that the results of the investigation would be made available. “Once the investigation is completed, we will submit a full report and also disclose the action that will be taken,” he added.

President Dissanayake personally visited St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church in Negombo, one of the places attacked in 2019, and made a strong commitment to the congregation.

“There is a widespread belief in society that the Easter Sunday attacks may have been carried out for political purposes,” President Dissanayake said, highlighting the possibility of uncovering politically motivated elements behind the tragedy.

In addition to the government’s investigation, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has initiated contempt of court proceedings against Nilantha Jayawardena, former director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), for failing to pay full compensation to victims attacks.

Mr Jayawardena was ordered to pay 75 million rupees in compensation, but has so far paid only 10 million rupees.

In January 2023, the Supreme Court also found four senior officials and politicians, including former President Maithripala Sirisena, responsible for the failure to prevent the attacks, despite intelligence warnings.

Besides Sirisena, former inspector general of police Pujith Jayasundera, former defense minister Hemasiri Fernando and former intelligence chief Sisira Mendis were heavily fined.

Despite these legal proceedings, key questions about the masterminds and instigators of the attacks remain unanswered.

The Catholic Church continues to call for clarity and accountability. “Justice and transparency” are long-standing demands of the Church, which has been at the forefront of advocacy for victims and their families.

Alongside the investigation, Sri Lanka’s new government also faces pressing social and economic challenges.

Bishop Croos underlined the population’s expectations for significant economic reforms, in particular to respond to the difficulties encountered by ordinary citizens.

“From the new president, people expect measures to support the economy, alleviate the difficulties of families and improve employment. And, in addition to medium and long-term measures, there is also the urgency, in the short term, of supporting in particular the poorest, who are currently struggling for their daily subsistence,” noted Mgr Croos.

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