During a discussion held at the Archbishop’s Office of Colombo on February 8, Cardinal Ranjith stated that he supported the current administration in the hopes that they would conduct a formal investigation into the cover-up surrounding the Easter attacks. However, he made it clear that should the government fail in this responsibility, he would not hesitate to take action against them, just as he had done with previous regimes.
He emphasized that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers who initially conducted the investigations had been removed from their roles, and key evidence had been destroyed under political pressure. The Archbishop cited revelations from Azad Maulana, a key witness, who disclosed in a Channel 4 report how those responsible for the attacks were given financial and logistical support by high-ranking officials. The Cardinal was one among eight people featured in the Channel 4 documentary.
Despite renewed investigations, Cardinal Ranjith remains vigilant, asserting that the powerful forces behind the attacks must be held accountable. He stated that the public, especially the families of the victims, expects the current government headed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure justice where its predecessors have failed.
With investigations now back in the hands of CID officers under proper guidance, there is renewed hope among the people. However, the Archbishop made it clear that he will continue his relentless pursuit of justice until those responsible for the Easter attacks are brought to account.
Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith of Colombo has played a pivotal role in bringing the Dissanayake government to power by attacking the previous government. Since the devastating Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, this marks the fourth government to face potential collapse, with the Archbishop at the forefront of every such movement.
Cardinal Ranjith has been a staunch advocate for justice for the victims of the Easter attacks, consistently challenging the ruling authorities for their failure to conduct a transparent investigation. He has accused former presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe of exploiting the tragedy for political gain while failing to deliver justice.
