The Catholic Church expressed confidence that the current Government will deliver justice regarding the Easter Sunday attacks of 2019, noting that no political interference has been reported in the investigations thus far.

These comments were made by the Catholic Church Spokesperson Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, at a press conference held yesterday (5). However, he emphasised that the Church will continue to pressure the authorities to ensure that justice is served. "We don’t fully trust any party. However, we have confidence that this Government will provide justice for the victims. So far, no political interference has been reported, which is what we need," he said. He also highlighted the Government’s responsibility to grant the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) the freedom and necessary resources to conduct investigations independently. "Our officers are very capable. What the CID requires is the freedom to carry out investigations without interference. Previous administrations obstructed the probes, which hindered progress," he claimed. Fernando observed that new investigations had been initiated because certain findings in the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report were unclear. 

"Additionally, new allegations have emerged following the release of the CoI report, such as those in the recent Channel 4 documentary. Therefore, these issues need to be investigated afresh," he explained. He stated that the Church would not accept the findings of the committee appointed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe to investigate the allegations raised by the Channel 4 documentary, which was chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge S.I. Imam. He claimed that the committee failed to record statements from the main subject featured in the documentary, Azad Maulana.

 In response to former Parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila’s allegations that the Government is attempting to arrest former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the former Director of the State Intelligence Service, retired Major General Suresh Salley, he stated that these issues are unrelated to the investigations. He urged those making such claims to address any concerns with the Judiciary if any errors have occurred in the CID's actions.