Calls for new probe into 2019 Sri Lanka Easter terror attacks

Fr Rohan Silva, chairperson of the Oblate Centre for Society and Religion (CSR), said on April 16 that a 13-page document detailing overlooked evidence was sent to authorities.

“All those responsible for the attacks must be identified, and justice must be delivered to the victims without further delay,” Fr Silva said.

Six years on, and despite three governments promising thorough investigations, the victims and families still await justice, said the CSR.

The coordinated attacks on April 21, 2019, targeted churches and luxury hotels, killing 276 people, including 47 foreigners, and injuring 500 others. President Anura Dissanayake recently stated that investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks are progressing “in a systematic manner”.

The Criminal Investigation Department is working diligently to identify key suspects before the anniversary on April 21, he said, while claiming that “several individuals responsible for the attacks would be exposed ahead of that date”.

Fr Cyril Gamini, the spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo, said Church leaders were waiting for April 21 with strong faith in the promises made by the new government.

Nuwani Anuradha, a rights activist, said many believe the attack was orchestrated to bring the Rajapaksa family to power.

“Three governments later, not one has fulfilled the promise to deliver justice,” she told UCA News.

The CSR team, which studied investigation reports, has sought to establish the role of key suspects behind the Easter attacks and the warnings that were ignored before the bombings.

Sri Lanka was on high alert during the Easter season with armed police and military personnel deployed at many churches. The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka was set to formally honour the bombing victims as “heroes of the faith” at a special memorial on April 21.

FULL STORY

Six years on, fresh probe sought into Sri Lanka’s Easter attacks – UCA News (UCA News)

Unfinished pursuit of justice in Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday attack | EconomyNext (Economy Next)

Sri Lanka church attack (Times of India)