Rauff Hakeem and Rishad Bathiudeen associated with Easter Sunday attackers - Minister Aluthgamage

• SLMC leader had a electoral pact with Zahran in 2015

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem and ACMC Leader Rishad Bathiudeen have been associated with the Easter Sunday attackers, Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told Parliament yesterday.  

Minister Aluthgamage said both Mr. Hakeeem and Mr. Bathiudeen visited those who were wounded in some incidents which took place prior to the Easter Sunday attacks.  
“Mr. Hakeem went to hospital to visit a member of  Zahran’s group who was injured in an attack. Even Bathiudeen visited a person who was injured in an attack. Asath Sally got those who were arrested for the attack on the Mawanella Buddha statue, released. These are all allies of SJB,” he said.  

“SLMC leader had a electoral pact with Zahran in 2015,” he also said.  Meanwhile State Minister Arundika Fernando said Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith should be patient until the Government identifies and punishes those who are responsible for the attack.