Negombo, October 6, 2024 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to expedite investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings, emphasizing that justice will be served for the victims of this tragic event. The President made these statements during a meeting with the families of those affected by the attacks at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo.
During the gathering, Dissanayake expressed his commitment to ensuring that the painful memories of the Easter attacks, which he described as “the biggest tragedy that happened in this country in recent times,” will not be forgotten. He acknowledged the deep desire among the public for accountability and justice regarding the incident, which significantly influenced their political decisions in the last presidential election.
“I believe that the expectation of justice and fairness regarding the Easter attack played a crucial role in the people’s political choices,” said Dissanayake. He reiterated his dedication to fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the citizens in addressing this tragic chapter in Sri Lanka’s history.
The President also highlighted concerns regarding the potential political motivations behind the attacks, warning that losing innocent lives for political gain would be a “great tragedy.” He emphasized the need to eradicate any such extreme politics from the nation.
Additionally, Dissanayake acknowledged suspicions surrounding the involvement of government machinery in the attacks, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability to ensure the country’s safety and stability.
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, who also attended the event, voiced frustrations regarding the lack of justice and resolution for the victims despite previous appeals to international bodies, including the Geneva Human Rights Commission. He expressed hope that President Dissanayake would take meaningful action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The meeting underscored a collective hope for a thorough investigation and commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future, reflecting the ongoing pain and demand for justice from the victims’ families.
