Colombo, Sept 26 – Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said that one or two former Army officials are likely to be arrested soon as part of the ongoing investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed more than 250 people.
Speaking to members of the Sri Lankan community in the US, the president said his administration inherited a flawed and politically compromised investigation, which may now require fresh inquiries to uncover the full truth behind the attacks.
“Politics is a major reason why justice has been delayed,” Dissanayake said. “Individuals suspected of involvement came into power soon after the attacks, even holding high-ranking positions. How can we expect a proper investigation under such circumstances?”
He alleged that evidence was erased, concealed, or manipulated to mislead the original probe. However, he expressed confidence in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), noting that the recent arrest of CID officials had exposed internal sabotage in earlier investigations.
“This is a complex case we inherited, but I believe the CID is capable. Several former military officials will be arrested soon, and investigations are both continuing and advancing,” he said.
The Easter Sunday bombings, carried out by local Islamist extremists, remain one of the deadliest terror attacks in Sri Lanka’s history, targeting churches and hotels across the country on April 21, 2019.