Easter investigations are progressing steadily, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith says, as new evidence, witnesses, and court proceedings continue to emerge.
The Easter investigations are now moving in the right direction, according to Colombo Archbishop His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, who says efforts to uncover the truth behind the devastating Easter Sunday attacks are continuing despite attempts by certain parties to obstruct the process.
Cardinal Ranjith made these remarks while participating in a religious service held at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade, Colombo, one of the locations deeply affected by the Easter Sunday tragedy.
His Eminence noted that investigations are currently being carried out actively and systematically to uncover the full truth surrounding the attacks, in line with assurances given by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake when he met victims and affected families at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya.
According to the Cardinal, investigative authorities are now tracing evidence relating to matters that had remained hidden for years and are presenting material before the courts to determine whether a political conspiracy was linked to the Easter Sunday bombings.
He stated that information which had allegedly been concealed by individuals who held power at the time is gradually coming to light through the ongoing investigations.
Cardinal Ranjith further observed that witnesses who had previously remained silent are now stepping forward to provide testimony, helping investigators piece together what he described as the conspiracy behind the massacre.
The Archbishop alleged that some groups are becoming increasingly concerned that these investigations may expose their true role and public image, prompting attempts to interfere with the investigative process.
Despite such efforts, he insisted that there is no reason for those seeking justice to be intimidated.
“Even if they protest before the media, print and distribute books, or launch mudslinging attacks, we need not fear them even a grain of mustard seed,” His Eminence declared.
Cardinal Ranjith also claimed that certain parties are engaged in what he described as a disgraceful campaign aimed at suppressing the truth.
According to him, these efforts include attempts to influence the independence of the judiciary and intimidate witnesses who may possess crucial information relating to the attacks.
He stressed that such actions should not be allowed to derail the search for justice or prevent the truth from emerging through the legal process.
The Cardinal emphasized that the ongoing investigations represent a significant opportunity to finally uncover facts that had remained hidden for years and ensure accountability for those responsible.
Referring to the human cost of the tragedy, His Eminence said he would not permit the truth surrounding the attack to be buried or forgotten.
He reiterated that the Easter Sunday bombings claimed the lives of 278 people and left many more families devastated and helpless in their aftermath.
Cardinal Ranjith maintained that justice can only be achieved when the full truth is established and those responsible for the crime are identified and punished through the legal system.
He concluded by stressing that the pursuit of justice must continue without fear or interference, regardless of pressure from individuals or groups seeking to prevent the truth from being revealed.
