Five years have passed since the Easter attack, yet the government has failed to act upon or seek consultation on the recommendations outlined in the Malalgoda Committee Report, the President’s Commission Report, and the Parliamentary Special Committee Report. Shockingly, segments of the Easter Report have been withheld even from Members of Parliament. The opposition leader expressed concern over controversial statements emerging due to the identification of alleged masterminds lacking substantial evidence.
Addressing Parliament under standing order 27 (2), Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa demanded transparency regarding the investigations into the Easter attack. He called for clarity on the extent of investigations conducted, reasons behind the failure to implement recommendations, and the withholding of investigation reports from the public. Furthermore, he questioned whether the international investigation, as purported by the current president on July 18, 2022, had indeed taken place.
Premadasa highlighted the concerning conduct surrounding an intelligence officer, F., who had numerous phone conversations with Saharan, the ringleader of the Easter attack. Despite initial statements from the agency, he noted the lack of further investigations and obstacles hindering progress. Additionally, he sought clarification on the intelligence agency’s connections with militias associated with the attack.
The opposition leader criticized former President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, accusing him of capitalizing on the Easter attack for political gain during his presidential campaign. However, once in power, over 31 officials involved in related investigations were transferred, raising suspicions. Premadasa called for accountability regarding the failure to act upon intelligence warnings, particularly those shared with Indian intelligence agencies.
In light of the former president’s insinuations regarding the masterminds behind the attack, Premadasa stressed the urgency of disclosing pertinent information and reasons for withholding crucial facts. The gravity of the crime demands immediate answers and transparency from the government.
