President pledges to safeguard all Sri Lankans

• Deeply empathises with all affected by Easter Sunday attacks 
• Says dismantling of national security apparatus “most unfortunate” 
• Criticising former Govt., says “anarchy” prevailed earlier, resulting in terror and violence  

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said he deeply empathised with all who were affected by the Easter Sunday attacks and reiterated that he would ensure the safety of all communities in Sri Lanka. 

Releasing a statement to mark the first year anniversary of the Easter attacks he noted that it was “unfortunate” that the national security mechanisms were dismantled. “When anarchy prevails it is only natural for extremism, terrorism and all kids of violence to raise its despicable head.” 

The full message is given below:

“Exactly a year ago, on 21 April 2019, a group of extremists, bent on a macabre agenda unleashed a sequence of terror targeting Catholic churches and tourist hotels. 

“I deeply empathise with the families of all those who lost their lives and sustained grave injuries, the Catholic community and entire Sri Lankan citizenry who were terrorised by these horrifying massacres.

“Around 270 people were killed and about 500 were gravely injured in Easter Sunday attacks. Some who survived, later succumbed to their injuries after months of suffering. Some others will be disabled for life. 

“Even though Catholics were targeted, this was a terrorist attack against all Sri Lankan citizens. This heinous crime against humanity needs to be condemned by all without any tolerance towards this extremist ideology. 

“It is most unfortunate that the mechanisms that were in place to ensure national security were dismantled. When anarchy prevails, it is only natural for extremism, terrorism and all kinds of violence to raise its despicable head. 

“I reiterate the pledge I made in the ‘Vistas for Prosperity’ policy statement that I will ensure the safety of all communities in my country. I will not leave any room for any form of extremism, or violence from any extremists to be unleashed on my people again. I also assure you that the true perpetrators responsible for this Easter Sunday massacres will be identified and brought before the law. 

“I once again commiserate with all those who were adversely affected by the Easter Sunday massacres and all Sri Lankans who were deeply shocked by these barbaric acts.”