Easter Sunday attacks: CID probes Sirisena’s charge; BASL issues tough statement

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will probe the statement made to it by former President Maithripala Sirisena. In that, he alleged that an Indian diplomat had told him that India was behind the Easter Sunday massacres of 2019.

At least 247 men, women, and children, mostly worshippers, were killed during attacks on churches and hotels.

On March 22, Sirisena told the media during a visit to Kandy that he possessed vital information on who was allegedly responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks of 2019. He said he wished to place such information before courts. The word he used in Sinhala when he made his CID statement was sadee pehadee or meaning willingly. Hence, it formed part of a “B” report the CID filed at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrema had asked Sirisena to make a statement to the Court on April 4 (Thursday). However, there was a turn of events when his lawyer, Anuja Premaratne, President’s Counsel, informed the court that his client had already given a statement to the CID. Hence, he said, there was no necessity for him to make another. Magistrate Abeywickreme noted that there was no need for the court to obtain a statement from a person under his objection and it had no powers to force such a statement. On Thursday, Magistrate Abeywickrema declared that the documents before the court, where former President Sirisena had revealed sensitive information, would remain confidential.

Sirisena’s statement to the CID also drew a strong statement from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the premier body representing the country’s lawyers. Signed by its President, Kaushalya Navaratne PC and Secretary Chatura S. Galhena, the statement said: “The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) expresses its deep concern regarding the recent statement by former President Maithripala Sirisena concerning his alleged knowledge of the perpetrators behind the horrific Easter Sunday attacks of 2019. This statement, coupled with the ongoing lack of accountability for these heinous acts, raises serious questions about the security lapses that led to the deaths of innocent civilians.

“The BASL reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for the victims. In this spirit, the BASL filed a Fundamental Rights application, against the former President, other members of the leadership, and senior officials for their failure to discharge their fundamental duties towards the people of our country. This and several other similar applications filed by stakeholders were successfully concluded, with their Lordships of the Supreme Court finding the former President and other Respondents in the case, guilty of violating the fundamental rights of the people, by neglecting their primary duties in failing to prevent the April 2019 bombings which killed and injured hundreds of people, despite receiving intelligence ahead of the attack.

“Their Lordships also ordered former President Maithripala Sirisena, four other officials, and the State to pay compensation totaling 311 million rupees to victims, with President Sirisena being ordered to pay 100 million of the said compensation.

However, the BASL remains deeply concerned by the apparent nonchalance surrounding the broader investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks. The lack of justice for the victims and the continued absence of a clear understanding of why these attacks occurred are a stain on our nation.

“The BASL urges the relevant authorities to bring all those responsible to justice. The victims' families deserve closure, and Sri Lanka requires a clear understanding of these events to prevent future tragedies.

“To this end, the BASL urges the former President to make a full and honest disclosure of any sensitive information he possesses. Withholding such information, in a responsible manner befitting a former head of state would constitute a serious obstruction of justice.

“Whilst carefully following the recent developments, the BASL will not hesitate to intervene whenever and wherever such intervention is required, if there is any impediment to the rule of law.”

Last week, senior national security advisor to the president, Sagala Ratnayake met Sirisena in the lobby of Parliament. A friendly conversation ensued. He asked in Sinhala about the pasku dina attacks. Sirisena laughingly remarked that “ekay vaasiya ohelata ney.”

Parliament will have a three-day debate on Sirisena’s statement on April 24, 25 and 26.