Easter Attack Probe: Minister Calls for Patience, Assures Transparency

Colombo (News 1st); Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Cabinet Spokesperson, addressed the concerns surrounding the President's earlier announcement that the mastermind behind the attacks would be presented by the 21st.

Journalist raised questions on the matter noting that despite this promise, no updates have been provided, leading to accusations from the opposition that the government is being deceptive.

Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that the government was compelled to investigate the Easter attacks six years after they occurred, due to previous attempts to suppress investigations for nearly five and a half years.

He noted that if proper investigations had been conducted within those six years, the masterminds and conspirators might have already been exposed. However, political interference by the previous Cabinet had hindered the investigation process, with some investigation committee reports not being implemented and officials frequently transferred or forced to leave the country. Only in the past six months have these investigations resumed correctly, revealing previously suppressed and misled incidents.

When asked about the President's statement and the subsequent report, Dr. Jayatissa explained that the speed of revealing facts is determined by the investigation process, not by the President or the government. The government is facilitating the investigation process, and conducting the investigation is entirely entrusted to the relevant institutions.

Regarding the seven proposals presented by His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith concerning the Easter attacks, Dr. Jayatissa stated that the government's stance on this matter will be announced soon. The proposals have been discussed in depth, and appropriate responses will be provided.

Dr. Jayatissa urged everyone to allow the investigations to proceed without unnecessary agitation. He emphasized that the investigations will reveal certain facts, and any shortcomings in previous statements will be addressed based on the investigation findings.

Regarding the involvement of Pillayan in the Easter attacks, Dr. Jayatissa clarified that one should not consider that the only crime Pillayan committed was the abduction of the Eastern University professor. He said there are several other charges against him, and more information is being disclosed during the 90-day questioning period. Based on these investigations, two individuals have already been taken into custody, and the police will reveal their involvement in certain murder operations as the investigation progresses.

Dr. Jayatissa also addressed concerns about the government's ability to handle the situation, stating that despite continuous claims by some politicians and media channels that the government cannot revive the economy or ensure national security, the people trusted them and formed a government. He assured that the government is acting according to that mandate and is not concerned about the agitation of those involved in the conspiracy.