Sri Lankan Government Vows Justice for Easter Sunday Attacks

COLOMBO (News 1st); The government of Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reaffirmed it's commitment to a comprehensive investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks. 

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Vijitha Herath speaking to reporters on Tuesday (15) emphasized that the government will ensure justice is served and that no individual involved in the attacks will be shielded from legal accountability.

"A proper investigation was launched with regard to the Easter Sunday Attacks. We assure the people of Sri Lanka that we will not pave the way for injustice. We will not step into conceal anyone. All those responsible for that event will be dealt with as per the proper legal avenues," stated Minister Herath. 

He cautioned against making premature comments on the investigation, as it could impede the process. "Once the investigations are over, we will present a comprehensive report, and will also reveal the action that will be taken," he added.

Minister Herath also addressed recent statements by Udaya Gammanpila, leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, who has demanded the release of the SI Imam and ANJ de Alvis reports on the attacks. 

Gammanpila has given the government a seven-day ultimatum, threatening to make the reports public if the government fails to release them.

Responding to this, Minister Herath called on Udaya Gammanpila, leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, to submit any reports he possesses regarding the attacks.

“If (Udaya) Gammanpila has a report, we will give him three days to submit that report, as it would make things easy for us,” he said.

Minister Herath emphasized that all investigation reports currently held by the government will be thoroughly examined to ensure their completeness and accuracy.

“Investigation reports in the possession of the government will be probed thoroughly, to determine if there are missing pages or other matters,” he noted.

He also stressed the importance of understanding how Gammanpila came into possession of the report and the implications of withholding such information. 

“If (Udaya) Gammanpila has received a report, he should submit it without delay. We need to determine how he came into possession of that report as well. We would like to know that, as well as the people. If (Udaya) Gammanpila kept this report hidden away for so long, that too is a serious offense,” Minister Herath added.