The Catholic Church has announced plans to formally reject accusations made against two government officials in the Presidential Commission report on the Easter Sunday attacks, as well as allegations directed at His Eminence, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.
In a statement, Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, confirmed that the Church would release an official response today addressing the report and the comments by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila.
"We will come up with an official statement today and reveal our stand on the presidential report and the allegations made against Cardinal Ranjith by Mr. Gammanpila," Fr. Gamini stated.
Cardinal Ranjith Dismisses Allegations
During a sermon at Hapugoda Church, Cardinal Ranjith criticized the handling of the Presidential Commission report. He expressed dissatisfaction over claims implicating two government officers, suggesting that these accusations were politically motivated.
"This committee shrewdly dragged two officers of the present government. This was done to twist the facts. Some persons who were silent for a long time have suddenly started talking about the Easter Sunday attacks. They have become heroes overnight. This is not what we expected," the Cardinal remarked.
Call for Accountability and Justice
The Cardinal reiterated the Church's dedication to uncovering the truth about the attacks, emphasizing key unresolved issues:
- Neglected Warnings: Identifying those responsible for ignoring prior intelligence on the attacks.
- Ammunition and Training Sources: Discovering who provided the attackers with weapons and explosives training.
- Fleeing Perpetrators: Ensuring accountability for those who escaped justice.
"We cannot rest until we find out why prior warnings were neglected," Cardinal Ranjith asserted.
Background on Easter Sunday Attacks
The Easter Sunday bombings of April 21, 2019, targeted churches and hotels, killing over 250 people, including individuals from diverse religious backgrounds. The tragedy remains a contentious issue in Sri Lanka, with ongoing debates over accountability, intelligence failures, and the investigation’s transparency.
Church's Demand for Truth
The Church has consistently demanded justice for the victims of the attacks. The upcoming statement is expected to reinforce its call for transparency and accountability while countering recent allegations and findings in the Presidential Commission report.
The Church’s response is anticipated to reignite public discourse on the Easter Sunday tragedy, further emphasizing the need for justice and closure for all those affected.
Â
No comments