The Government issued a directive to Pivithuru Hela Urumaya Leader, attorney Udaya Gammanpila, instructing him to submit copies of two significant reports related to the Easter Sunday terror attacks within three working days. 

These reports were commissioned by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and they focus on the role of the intelligence services during the said attacks, as well as addressing allegations raised by a documentary produced by the United Kingdom’s Channel 4.

Recently, Gammanpila gave the National People’s Power Government, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, an ultimatum of seven working days to release the said reports, threatening to publish the documents himself if the Government failed to act.

During the Cabinet press conference yesterday (15), Cabinet Spokesperson and Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath addressed the situation and emphasised that if Gammanpila had these Presidential Committee reports in his possession prior to their official release, it would be considered an offence. Herath remarked: “If Gammanpila has kept those Presidential Committee reports in his possession prior to publishing, it is an offence committed by him.” He further asserted that it is Gammanpila’s responsibility to hand over the reports to the Government within the next three days. Herath also elaborated on the Government’s stance, stating that the administration is fully aware of its responsibilities towards the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. “The Government is working with a responsibility,” he said, assuring that a comprehensive investigation would be carried out if there are any issues concerning the said reports. He reiterated that the Government is committed to ensuring accountability for the attacks and remains focused on addressing any related concerns.

The two reports in question are the findings of separate Presidential Committees. The first, led by retired Supreme Court Justice S.I. Imam investigated the allegations made in the Channel 4 documentary. The second, chaired by retired Judge A.N.J. De Alwis, examined the role of the intelligence services during the Easter Sunday bombings.

Several attempts made to contact Gammanpila proved futile.