Sri Lanka Commemorates the Sixth Anniversary of Easter Terror Attacks
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Synopsis
Colombo, April 21 (NationPress) Sri Lanka commemorated the sixth anniversary of the tragic Easter attacks, which resulted in the death of over 270 individuals and injuries to more than 500. Memorial services were held, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Sri Lanka marks sixth anniversary of Easter attacks.
- Over 270 lives were lost, and more than 500 injured.
- Memorial events focused on Christian communities.
- Cardinal Ranjith calls for justice and truth.
- President Dissanayake addresses political implications.
Colombo, April 21 (NationPress) Sri Lanka commemorated the sixth anniversary of the tragic terrorist Easter attacks that resulted in the loss of over 270 lives and left more than 500 individuals injured.
The suicide bombings, executed by an Islamic extremist group, specifically targeted Christian churches and upscale hotels in Colombo on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.
In honor of the victims, numerous memorial events took place throughout the island nation, particularly focusing on Christian churches.
The Catholic community of Sri Lanka, under the guidance of Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, criticized ongoing efforts to conceal the truth regarding the deadly Easter Sunday attacks, allegedly involving certain government institutions even today.
These comments were made during the main memorial service held on Monday morning at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade, which marked the sixth anniversary of the coordinated bombings, as reported by Lankan news outlet Ada Derana.
Cardinal Ranjith expressed concern that the current legal framework and the inaction of some officials have created significant barriers to achieving progress, despite Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's sincere commitment to justice and the appointment of high-ranking officials to oversee the investigation.
He urged the President to ensure that the blood of the innocent is not forgotten and that the complete truth behind the attacks is revealed.
"It is our sincere hope, President, that you will not allow this national tragedy to fade with time. Justice must prevail, and all those responsible must be held accountable," Cardinal Ranjith remarked.
In a related context, while addressing a political rally in Polonnaruwa, President Dissanayake described the Easter Sunday attacks of 2019 as the most significant tragedy exploited for political gain.
"It was on Easter Sunday 2019 that the greatest tragedy, used as a tool to seize power, took place," he alleged.
The report from the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks was formally submitted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sri Lanka on Sunday for further investigation.
According to Lankan Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala, the report was delivered by the Secretary to the President, following instructions from President Dissanayake.
In an Easter message on Sunday, Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya showed solidarity with the victims' families, the Christian community, and all citizens seeking truth and justice while remembering the tragic events of Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.
"As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that justice is served. Our ongoing efforts to investigate the attacks and uncover all truths without obstruction remain a top priority. Accountability, transparency, and genuine justice are essential for honoring the memory of the victims and restoring public trust. Let us unite in strength, uphold the dignity of every life, and strive toward a future where everyone deserves equality and justice," the Prime Minister stated.
