The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition

¶ 01 We have discussed the Easter attacks many times in this House and presented extensive facts — in debates in 2021, 2023 and again in 2024, and via questions under Standing Order 27(2). We honestly believe that to find the truth and identify the masterminds behind the attack, a different mechanism must be followed.

¶ 02 In April 2024, our party’s legal team met His Eminence and discussed a six-step plan, which we also presented in Parliament: - Reconstitute a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act No. 17 of 1948, Section 2(1)(a), with 7 or 9 members, including both local and foreign judges and experts. - Establish a Permanent Investigation Office to support the Commission’s work, properly and professionally. - A structured mechanism to implement the Commission’s recommendations. - The Attorney-General to institute criminal prosecutions arising from the findings. - Establish a Special Court to hear these cases expeditiously. - Establish a State Prosecution Office.

¶ 03 His Eminence fully endorsed this plan. We tabled it, but we did not receive the people’s mandate to implement it. Therefore, I again propose to Minister Ananda Wijepala to seriously consider these six steps. The entire process has been politicized. We want the truth. When we repeatedly raised questions through Standing Order 27(2) and debates, it was to seek the truth.

¶ 04 Please set politics and vengeance aside and implement this program impartially and independently. To ensure credibility and public trust, include foreign jurists in the special commission. The permanent investigation office should also obtain international cooperation — Scotland Yard, the FBI, and other suitable agencies — to succeed in finding the truth.

¶ 05 Implement this six-step plan to win the trust of the Catholic community and the broader public.

¶ 06 Why is there still no clear resolution? The victims and the Catholic community remain doubtful. I will quote His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith: “If we receive a just and fair signal from the Government, we will be happy. Otherwise, we will have to take to the streets again.” He also said, “We supported bringing this Government to power to change the system. If that system does not change, we will have to think again.” These are his words. He further said: “We still expect the pledge made by the President at Katuwapitiya to be fulfilled as soon as possible.” He warned that if justice is not delivered before the sixth anniversary on 21 April 2025, protests will be launched.

¶ 07 I, too, lost my father to terrorism; we are firmly against terrorism, whatever group commits it. We must bring all those responsible to justice. When officers who investigate are threatened, remanded or imprisoned, we in the Opposition have raised our voices for the truth. We continue to do so.

¶ 08 May wisdom prevail so the Government implements the correct roadmap to victory for truth. Let us also ensure maximum relief and wellbeing to the affected families and defeat terrorism forever. Thank you.