The Catholic Church of Sri Lanka has urged the government to launch a fresh investigation into the alleged bombing attempt at All Saints Church in Borella, where a hand grenade was discovered on January 11, 2022.
Marking the third anniversary of the incident, church members held a protest to demand justice. The church caretaker, who was initially arrested in connection with the case, was later released. Church officials claim the caretaker was harassed and that his human rights were violated.
Father Jude Crisantha, Director of Communications for the National Catholic Council, called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the government, and the Inspector General of Police to reopen the investigation. “A suspect was reportedly arrested under the previous administration. We want to know what steps the current government has taken regarding this suspect,” he said.
Father Crisantha expressed concerns about the role of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, alleging irregularities in the investigation. According to Father Crisantha, Tennakoon had ordered the examination of only evening CCTV footage, despite evidence showing the perpetrator planting the grenade in the morning.
The Church has called for a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure accountability, emphasizing the need for justice in what it views as a grave threat to the safety of the Catholic community.
