On the fifth anniversary of the tragic Easter Sunday terrorist attacks that shook Sri Lanka in 2019, the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has announced plans to advocate for an international investigation into the events.
In a statement made to the BBC Sinhala Service, Cardinal Ranjith revealed that the Catholic Church intends to present a proposal to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) through various foreign governments and international organizations.
Expressing disappointment in the lack of progress made by both past and present Sri Lankan governments in uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy behind the attacks, Cardinal Ranjith emphasized the need for justice for the victims. He accused authorities of failing to identify the masterminds behind the coordinated bombings, which claimed the lives of hundreds and injured many more.
Of particular concern to Cardinal Ranjith is the apparent lack of accountability among key figures implicated in the events. He highlighted the ascension of individuals who held positions of authority at the time of the attacks to prominent roles within the current administration. Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe, who was in office during the Easter Sunday atrocities, now serves as the President of the country. Additionally, Deshabandu Tennakoon, the former Deputy Inspector General for Colombo North, who was criticized by the Presidential Commission for his handling of the situation, currently holds the position of Inspector General of Police.
Cardinal Ranjith's call for international intervention comes as a result of his perceived failure of the Sri Lankan government to deliver on promises of justice. Despite reassurances from political parties such as the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Jathika Jana Balawegaya/National People’s Power (NPP), Cardinal Ranjith remains skeptical of the likelihood of justice being served under the current circumstances.
With unresolved questions lingering and survivors still seeking closure, the Catholic Church's push for an international investigation represents a renewed effort to bring those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks to account and provide solace to the affected communities.
