Former President Ranil Wickramasinghe’s forthcoming statement on the Easter Sunday bombings is anticipated to address the contentious issues surrounding the investigation’s handling. The former leader intends to clarify the findings of the two committees that were tasked with examining the intelligence failures and responses leading up to the 2019 attack, which killed over 250 people.
Udaya Gammanpila’s recent allegations have reignited public debate over accountability for the attacks. He accused the officials, Shani Abeysekera and Ravi Seneviratne, of negligence in addressing early warnings from intelligence sources, suggesting that their actions—or lack thereof—contributed to the tragedy. Gammanpila’s remarks implied that the original investigation and subsequent efforts under Wickramasinghe’s leadership failed to thoroughly examine the full extent of the intelligence shortcomings.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, a prominent voice demanding justice for the victims, echoed concerns about the investigation’s direction. He criticized the committee established earlier this year, led by Mrs. Janaki Alwis, arguing that it was politically motivated to target specific officials. The Cardinal has consistently advocated for a comprehensive investigation that identifies all responsible parties, including those who ignored early warnings.
Wickramasinghe’s response will likely focus on defending the integrity of the initial investigation, providing insights into the committees’ findings, and addressing accusations of political bias. The former president may also use the opportunity to highlight ongoing efforts to bring justice to the victims’ families and to reinforce the importance of reforms in Sri Lanka’s intelligence and security apparatus to prevent future tragedies.
