Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 (a) (i) To date, one Commission of Inquiry has been appointed in relation to the Easter Sunday attack. In terms of the provisions of Section 21 (Chapter 393) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, the Report of the Commission of Inquiry chaired by Supreme Court Judge Janak de Silva, appointed on 21.09.2019, was tabled in Parliament on 25.02.2021 pursuant to the Cabinet decision of 22.02.2021. The said Report is available on the official website of Parliament for perusal.

¶ 02 [Interruption]

¶ 03 The Report of the Commission chaired by Supreme Court Judge Janak de Silva is currently being studied by the Attorney-General with a view to tendering his recommendations. Further, investigations are ongoing under the supervision of the Criminal Investigation Department and various cases filed by parties are being heard before courts. In this context, disclosing details of officers accused solely on the basis of Commission recommendations at this stage could prejudice ongoing investigations and proceedings. Therefore, disclosure at this moment poses difficulties. However, the Report is accessible for anyone to study.

¶ 04 (ii) Upon receipt of the Attorney-General’s recommendations following his study of the Commission Report, the present Government will take disciplinary action against all those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks and, upon conclusion of CID investigations, take necessary legal action to punish offenders under the criminal law, without fear or favour. If any officers currently holding responsibilities under the present Government are involved, the law will be applied equally to them as well.

¶ 05 (b) Not applicable.