Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Not in Favour of International Investigation into Easter Sunday Attacks: Says Local Investigation without Political Interference Sufficient

September 25, 2023

Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith expressed his views on the need for an investigation into the Easter attack that occurred in 2019. Speaking at a ceremony held in the Embilipitiya area today, the Archbishop emphasized the importance of conducting an independent and impartial investigation rather than seeking international involvement.

During his address, Archbishop Ranjith conveyed that while an international investigation had been called for by some, it might be sufficient to have an independent inquiry devoid of political influence. He stressed the significance of leaders taking the initiative to conduct a transparent and honest investigation into the tragic events of the Easter attack.

"If the leaders take the lead to investigate, if they act on it, but honestly, if they make some effort through honest officials to find the truth of what really happened without succumbing to political pressure and protecting them, we don't need to go international. We say all this through transparent methods," Archbishop Ranjith stated.

The Archbishop's remarks come in the context of ongoing discussions and debates regarding the Easter attack, which took place on April 21, 2019, when multiple suicide bombings targeted churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries. The attacks were widely condemned both nationally and internationally.