Spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, has called on the public and relevant parties not to obstruct ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.
Addressing a special media briefing, Rev. Father Fernando stated that the recent arrest of former State Intelligence Service Chief, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, was a result of ongoing investigations into the attacks.
He alleged that investigations had come to a standstill during the tenure of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and had not progressed during the presidency of Ranil Wickremesinghe. He emphasized that the Catholic Church has consistently called for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
Rev. Father Fernando further stated that investigations resumed in a proper and comprehensive manner only after the current government assumed office.
He noted that over the past 16 months, since November 2024, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been conducting what he described as a comprehensive and independent probe into the Easter attacks. He said fresh investigations were launched following a Channel 4 broadcast alleging a conspiracy behind the attacks, as well as information disclosed by the former secretary of ex-Parliamentarian Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, also known as Pillayan.
According to Rev. Father Fernando, the arrest of Suresh Sallay was one outcome of these investigations. “We believe there was sufficient evidence for his arrest. He is only a suspect at present. The court will decide whether he is at fault or not,” he said.
He stressed that there was no need to politicize such arrests or provide varying interpretations, adding that the investigation is being conducted independently by the CID.
“Allowing these investigations to proceed independently is what is right. Attempts to disrupt them would amount to an injustice to the victims who were killed and injured in this attack,” he said.
Rev. Father Fernando urged all parties to refrain from interfering with the investigative process and called for patience as the legal process unfolds.