Statement by Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Accusations by Cardinal Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith
In response to recent remarks made by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith regarding the Easter Sunday bombings, I issue the following statement:
Press Release
Allegations against me by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith
During a commemoration marking the fifth anniversary of the Easter Sunday bombings, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith leveled several accusations against me, which I address as follows:
- Cardinal Ranjith claimed that upon receiving the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on the Easter Sunday attack, I informed him over the phone that implementing the recommendations would involve arresting individuals close to me and banning their organizations.
- He alleged that I delayed providing him with a copy of the first volume of the Presidential Commission report and withheld the remaining volumes.
- It was asserted that I formed a cabinet sub-committee to selectively implement only a few recommendations from various committees investigating the attacks.
- Furthermore, it was suggested that I orchestrated the transfer and subsequent imprisonment of a senior CID officer to obstruct the investigation into the Easter Sunday attack.
In response to these allegations:
Regarding the first accusation, I did indeed express to Cardinal Ranjith the complexities involved in implementing recommendations that would entail actions against individuals and organizations close to me. It is imperative to note that the Muslim community, which did not support my candidacy, should not be implicated in actions related to the Easter Sunday attacks.
As for the delay in providing the report to Cardinal Ranjith, I promptly delivered the report to relevant authorities, including the Cardinal, following established protocols.
The formation of a cabinet sub-committee was aimed at efficiently addressing the recommendations put forth by investigative committees, ensuring appropriate allocation of tasks to government bodies.
The transfer of the CID director in question was based on recommendations by the Inspector General of Police and subsequent disciplinary actions by the Police Commission. Any insinuation of malintent in this regard is baseless.
The failure to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks rests not solely on political figures but also on law enforcement agencies. Despite ongoing efforts to bring perpetrators to justice, it is imperative to recognize the collective responsibility of the police, Attorney General’s Department, and the judicial system in this endeavor.
The Easter Sunday bombings were perpetrated by Islamic extremists, and while investigations were underway prior to the attacks, there were shortcomings in preventing the tragedy. It is essential to refrain from politicizing such tragedies and instead focus on collaborative efforts towards justice and security.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Seventh Executive President of Sri Lanka