Cardinal Ranjith Alleges Obstruction; UN Calls for Concrete Results in Easter Attack Probe

Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has further alleged that successive governments sat on the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) report handed over in February 2021. Concurrently, new developments in the ongoing proceedings before the Fort Magistrate’s Court reveal that several witnesses are currently facing various forms of intimidation.

Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has further specified his allegations, stating that former Presidents, Heads of Police (IGPs), and officials from the Attorney General's Department who were in power from 2019 until September 2024 actively sabotaged investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks. Speaking at St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, Colombo, during the seventh-year commemoration, the Cardinal also accused the Attorney General's Department of delaying legal action against individuals recommended by a commission for neglecting their duties. He further alleged that lies are being spread to conceal the truth and called for investigators to determine what happened to 'Sara'. The event was attended by dignitaries including Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Nayaka Thera and Andre Franche, the UN Permanent Representative in Sri Lanka.

Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has further alleged that certain state officials are attempting to undermine ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Speaking at a memorial service marking seven years since the tragedy, the Cardinal questioned whether political forces linked to these officials might be involved, despite acknowledging a positive approach from the incumbent government. Concurrently, the United Nations has urged Sri Lanka to deliver concrete results in the probe. UN envoy Marc-Andre Franche stated that survivors and victims' families are still awaiting answers, despite multiple investigations and renewed political pledges following the formation of a new government in September 2024.