April 21, Colombo (LNW): The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has voiced renewed concerns over possible interference in the investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which took away more than 270 lives, suggesting that certain officials may be working behind the scenes to derail efforts to uncover the full truth.
Speaking at a commemorative service held today (21) to mark seven years since the devastating attacks, the Cardinal acknowledged what he described as a constructive stance by the current administration. However, he warned that elements within the state apparatus appeared to be hindering progress, raising questions about their motives.
He went on to suggest that if there were no hidden interests at play, there would be little reason for repeated delays and barriers in the investigative process. He further hinted at the possibility that individuals with political connections could have had prior knowledge of, or links to, the attack.
Referring to findings from the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, the Archbishop pointed out that the body itself had admitted limitations in examining certain critical areas. In particular, he stressed the importance of identifying a shadowy figure known as “Abu Hind,” believed to have had associations with Zahran Hashim.
According to the Cardinal, law enforcement authorities, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), had previously informed the Commission that efforts were underway to establish the true identity of this person. He argued that pursuing this line of inquiry could prove crucial in piecing together the broader network behind the attacks.
He also drew attention to testimony suggesting that key digital records linked to former intelligence chief Nilantha Jayawardena had been erased, including data from electronic devices. Such developments, he implied, raise troubling questions about whether evidence may have been deliberately removed.
Concluding his remarks, the Cardinal called for transparency and accountability, asking why, if there is nothing to hide, such apparent obstructions and irregularities continue to surface in the ongoing investigation.
