Easter Attack Probe Will Not Be Derailed by Threats

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s government has issued a firm warning that any individuals attempting to threaten officials or obstruct the investigation into the Easter Sunday terror attacks will face legal consequences.

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa made it clear that facts relating to such actions will be reported to court.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions and public debate surrounding the ongoing probe into the April 21, 2019 terror attacks, which killed 278 people and left hundreds more injured. As investigators continue to pursue new leads, concerns have grown over attempts to influence or disrupt the process.

Minister Jayatissa pointed to a sudden surge in unrest following recent legal developments, including the imposition of foreign travel bans on several individuals, among them former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He suggested that the timing of these reactions was not coincidental.

“The unrest and noise that was not seen during the more than 90 days Suresh Salley was in custody has now suddenly been created following the imposition of foreign travel bans on three individuals, including Gotabaya Rajapaksa,” he said. “It is clear that a certain group is acting with an agenda in this regard.”

Referring specifically to former State Intelligence Chief Suresh Salley, the Minister noted that, as a former senior military intelligence officer, he would be fully aware of how such investigations operate and the importance of cooperation.

“When investigations are being carried out into a brutal crime such as the Easter Sunday attacks, the best course of action, if one is not guilty, is to cooperate with the investigation,” he stated. “As a citizen, and especially as a state official and military officer,one can prove their innocence by supporting the investigation.”

He further warned that attempts to create unrest or apply pressure on investigators could cast doubt on the motives of those involved.

“If an individual, or a group supporting them, attempts to create unrest to disrupt the investigation, it indirectly raises questions about their possible involvement,” he added.

Responding to concerns about public statements and media briefings that criticize officials while court proceedings are ongoing, the Cabinet Spokesperson made it clear that such actions would not go unchecked.

“If anyone behaves in a manner that obstructs investigations or makes statements that interfere with the process, the Criminal Investigation Department will report the facts to court. The court will then take appropriate action,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to justice, Dr. Jayatissa stressed that ongoing investigative efforts are proceeding in a structured and lawful manner, and would not be derailed by protests or political pressure.

“The investigations are progressing properly. Such attempts will not stop them. Keeping 10 or 15 people overnight will not in any way hinder the Criminal Investigation Department from continuing its work,” he said. He was referring to the sathyagraha campaign launched in support of Suresh Salley opposite the Fort Railway Station.

“They may make as many statements as they want, and there are platforms to broadcast them, but regardless of what is said or done, this government will act on the mandate it has received to ensure justice and fairness for the people of this country.”

The Minister also alleged that there were political motives behind efforts to undermine the investigation, suggesting that certain groups were attempting to conceal deeper connections linked to the attacks.

“There is a political objective behind these attempts to disrupt the investigation. There is a clear intention to conceal the political connections linked to the Easter Sunday attacks,” he said.