Church spokesperson calls for independent probe into Easter Sunday attacks

The Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, has appealed to all parties to refrain from influencing or disrupting the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Speaking at a special media briefing in Colombo on Wednesday (26), Fr. Fernando warned that any interference in the investigative process would deny justice to the victims and their families. He emphasized that the probe must proceed without obstruction to ensure accountability.

Describing the coordinated suicide bombings carried out on April 21, 2019, he characterized the incident as a brutal act of violence that resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 people. The attacks targeted religious sites and hotels, including St. Anthony’s Shrine and St. Sebastian’s Church, claiming the lives of worshippers and civilians from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Fr. Fernando stressed that establishing the truth behind the attacks is crucial to safeguarding the country’s justice system. He cautioned that failure to hold those responsible accountable could create a dangerous precedent, allowing serious crimes to go unpunished.

He also noted that the investigation is being handled independently by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and emphasized the importance of allowing investigators to carry out their duties without political or external pressure.

Fr. Fernando further stated that undermining the investigation would amount to another injustice toward those who were killed or injured. He urged the public and relevant stakeholders to remain patient and allow the legal process to continue, expressing confidence that the truth would eventually emerge.

He added that it is vital to determine whether any political involvement existed, identify those responsible, and uncover the motives behind the attacks, insisting that the complete facts must be revealed in the interest of justice.