By More than 1,500 pages of crucial testimonies from individuals who appeared before the Presidential Commission on the Easter Sunday attacks have not been provided to the Church, according to Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. Speaking at a recent gathering, Cardinal Ranjith expressed concern over the absence of these testimonies, which are stored on six CDs. Despite efforts by a team of lawyers to examine the CDs, approximately 1,500 pages of evidence, including testimonies from key witnesses such as Hadiya and Sarah Jesmin, remain inaccessible.
The Archbishop emphasized that 2024 marks the fifth anniversary of the devastating attacks that claimed 273 lives, yet there has been a lack of transparency and accountability from the government. Despite calls for an independent investigation by the National Committee, including prominent figures from the Catholic Church, there has been no response from the government.
Cardinal Ranjith criticized the government’s handling of the investigations, alleging a failure to address all aspects of the case and a tendency to target certain individuals while ignoring crucial evidence. He highlighted new revelations, including witness testimony implicating government officials in connections to the attackers.
The Archbishop stressed the Church’s moral obligation to seek justice and truth, likening it to the shared pain within the Body of Christ. Efforts will continue to pressure authorities for a thorough and impartial investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks.
