Opposition MP Asserts: Channel 4 probe unlikely to succeed amid MP inaction on security warnings

• Proposes an international probe led by experts in dealing with terrorist organizations would be a more suitable course of action

By Yohan Perera  

An opposition MP has dismissed the possibility of a meaningful investigation into the Channel 4 allegations regarding the Easter Sunday attacks, citing the failure of MPs to heed warnings from their personal security officers (PSOs) regarding the impending tragedy.   

MP S. M. Marikkar of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) expressed skepticism about President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s assurance of appointing a select committee to investigate the Channel 4 claims, arguing that MPs lack the capacity to conduct an effective probe.  

Marikkar emphasized the fact that PSOs had previously alerted MPs about the imminent attack, highlighting their inaction in response. He proposed that an international probe led by experts in dealing with terrorist organizations would be a more suitable course of action.  

Marikkar also reminded that the failure to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks played a pivotal role in the formation of the SJB, as it led to the downfall of UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe’s premiership and the party’s loss of power in 2019.