Cardinal wants Maithri, others to be prosecuted under criminal procedure

 Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith speaks to media where the Catholic Church called for prosecution of former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and others  including police officers attached to intelligence unit who were found guilty by the Supreme Court for their failure to prevent Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. Around 300 people were killed in the bomb attacks on churches and hotels in 2019. 
Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

• Vows to fight for truth behind Easter attack

By Yohan Perera

The Catholic Church yesterday called for the prosecution of former President Maithripala Sirisena and others who were found guilty of failing to prevent Easter Sunday attacks under criminal procedure.   

The church specifically said Former President; newly appointed Administrative head of Police DIG Nilantha Jayawardene and Sisira Mendis should be prosecuted under criminal procedures.   

“We won’t focus much on the compensation which were prescribed by the Supreme Court but will continue our efforts to find the whole truth with regard to the Easter Sunday attack. Former Attorney General Dappula de Livera had stated that there is a conspiracy behind the attack. Therefore we will continue our efforts to uncover everything,” Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told a press conference.   

“We hope that Thursday’s judgement given by the Supreme Court would pave the way for more success in uncovering the truth behind Easter Sunday attacks,” he added.   

“We would like to see some action pertaining to the investigations on the attacks. The incumbent President also promised a fresh investigation with regard to the Easter Sunday attack with the assistance of Scotland Yard but nothing had happened,” he also said.   

Cardinal’s Legal Advisor Shamil Perera who responded to a query made by the journalists said the church expects Attorney General to file legal action against Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Nilantha Jayawardene and Sisira Mendis under criminal procedures.   

• The incumbent President also promised a fresh investigation with regard to the Easter Sunday attack with the assistance of Scotland Yard but nothing had happened