PoliticsCrimeHOTWednesday, April 1, 2026

Udaya Gammanpila Launches Book Naming Zahran Hashim as Easter Attacks Mastermind Amidst Criticism

Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila launched his book, "Searching for the Mastermind of the Easter Attack," on March 31, identifying Zahran Hashim as the sole mastermind behind the April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday bombings. Gammanpila, who conducted 1.5 years of research, stated that Zahran was responsible for collecting explosives, manufacturing bombs, and gathering weapons, and had altered his attack plans from the August 2019 Dalada Perahera due to the New Zealand mosque attacks. The event, held in Colombo, saw the attendance of prominent political figures including former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Maithripala Sirisena, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as well as Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. However, former Minister Navin Dissanayake criticized the launch, calling it an attempt to "whitewash the Rajapaksas" and noting that Zahran Hashim had already been identified in the Presidential Commission report. Gammanpila also warned of 300 other extremists influenced by Zahran's ideology still present in society.

7 Updates

Update #8\u00b7 Apr 6 · 3:15 PM

Udaya Gammanpila has responded to criticism regarding his book, stating that the "mud-slinging" and baseless attacks against it validate its accuracy, as critics have not challenged its conclusions or answers to conspiracy theories. Furthermore, Gammanpila has alleged that SJB MP Mujibur Rahman, a prominent critic of the book, had links to an Islamic State (IS) suspect based in India. Gammanpila claimed this connection was uncovered by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) during investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, and that Rahman was shielded from investigation by a senior police officer.

Update #7\u00b7 Apr 6 · 3:17 AM

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman further criticised Udaya Gammanpila, alleging that he is attempting to divert the Easter attack investigation and promote racist and religious ideas. Rahman questioned whether Gammanpila was an investigator or had discussed with Zahran Hashim before the suicide bombings, and also claimed that the government is enabling "bankrupt politicians" to gain prominence.

Update #6\u00b7 Apr 4 · 1:46 PM

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman today criticised Udaya Gammanpila's book, stating it is an attempt to mislead the public and revive "bankrupt politics" surrounding the Easter attacks. Rahman acknowledged Zahran Hashim and his group carried out the bombings but emphasized the need to identify those who supported, protected, and enabled them.

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