Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Vijitha Herath, has announced that the government will not accept the report of the committee led by retired judge N.J. De Alwis, which was tasked with investigating the Easter Sunday bombings.
Minister Herath claimed the committee was politically motivated, asserting that it was set up to target former Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne and former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department Shani Abeysekara. Both officers had recently joined the Retired Police Forum of the National People’s Force.
He highlighted that the Retired Police Forum was established on June 9, 2024, and just three days later, on June 12, 2024, the committee was appointed. This timing, according to Minister Herath, raises questions about the real intentions behind the investigation.
Minister Herath also emphasized that neither Seneviratne nor Abeysekara will be removed from their current positions, rejecting demands made by former MP Udaya Gammanpila and others.
The committee was expected to present its findings within three months, before the upcoming presidential election on September 15. However, the Minister confirmed that the government plans to conduct a full and independent investigation into the Easter Sunday attack, ensuring that a new inquiry will be launched.
These statements were made during a media briefing at the Government Information Department earlier today.
