Easter attack probe enter new phase, says Public Security Minister

Wednesday, 8 January 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks has entered a new phase, according to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala.

In a statement to Parliament yesterday, Minister Wijepala revealed that the ongoing investigations are focused on the findings revealed in the 2023 documentary film produced by British media channel ‘Channel 4’. The film, which covered the attacks and subsequent investigations, has prompted further legal action, with the Minister confirming that additional steps will be taken based on the facts uncovered so far.

Wijepala informed Parliament that a report was filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on 11 November 2024, and investigations are actively underway.

To date, statements have been recorded from 48 individuals, including 12 civilian witnesses, 7 military personnel, 24 police officers, and 3 prison officers.

The Minister further disclosed that a total of 747 individuals have been arrested as part of the preliminary investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) in relation to the Easter Sunday attacks.

Additionally, the Attorney General has filed 14 indictments against 100 suspects, with further investigations continuing in connection with the case.

There have been calls, particularly from the Catholic Church, for the government to expedite and conduct a transparent investigation into the matter.