Easter Attack Probe Being Obstructed by Officials, Cardinal Alleges

Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has alleged that certain state officials are attempting to obstruct investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks.

He made these remarks while addressing a memorial event held today (21) to mark the seventh anniversary of the attacks. The Cardinal noted that although the current government appears to be taking a supportive approach toward the investigations, some officials are allegedly undermining the process.

He questioned whether political forces linked to those officials could be behind the attacks, asking why obstacles continue to arise if there is no such connection.

The Cardinal further stated that even the Presidential Commission of Inquiry was unable to fully investigate certain aspects of the incident. He emphasized the importance of identifying an individual known as “Abu Hind,” who is believed to have had links with the main suspect, Zahran Hashim.

Referring to evidence presented before the commission, he pointed out that Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had been tasked with probing the identity of “Abu Hind.”

He also raised concerns over testimony indicating that all data from the phone and computer of former State Intelligence Service Director Nilantha Jayawardena had been erased, questioning whether crucial information related to the attacks had been deliberately concealed.