Acting Pres urges proper investigation into 2019 Easter bombings, makes plans for country’s future

Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the absence of a proper investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks implies that the issue has not been fully resolved yet.

In a special statement, Acting President Wickremesinghe explained that when he took over as Prime Minister earlier this year the economy had collapsed, with power cuts lasting five hours a day.

In the two months since then, power cuts had been reduced to three hours a day, fertiliser has been provided to the farmers and the gas shortage in the country has been solved.

While the month of July would be a difficult period for the supply of fuel, Wickremesinghe revealed that stocks of diesel have been secured and will be distributed while from 21 July. Additionally, stocks of petrol will also be distributed.

He also said that steps have been taken to provide relief to those who are struggling due to the economic pressures. Loans taken by paddy farmers who have planted fields less than two acres have been cancelled, he said. Further, in view of the drop in world oil prices, fuel prices in the country have also been reduced.

While highlighting the steps taken so far, the Acting President explained that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were nearing conclusion, and discussions for assistance with foreign countries are also progressing.

He also said that due to the incomplete nature of the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, he is requesting the assistance of the UK Government and their intelligence services.

He highlighted that the current political crisis in the country is due to the Executive Presidency, and said that the 19th Amendment would be re-introduced which would address many concerns of the public.

The Acting President proceeded to explain that there were elements within society that are attempting to disrupt the peace in the country. He stresses that these elements would be prohibited from disrupting the country’s progress.

Wickremesinghe further said that the government will offer solutions to peaceful protesters who had legitimate concerns.

Acting President Wickremesinghe called upon the political parties in the country to put aside their differences and urged them to come together and form an All-Party Government which would allow the country to recover from the economic crisis.