Easter Sunday attacks to be debated in Parliament for sixth time

By Yohan Perera

Parliament is to debate the Easter Sunday attacks for the sixth time on April 9, making it one of the most frequently debated topics in the House in recent years. The Parliament media unit said the matter will be taken up for debate on April 9.  

The Easter Sunday attacks were first debated on May 7, 2019. They were subsequently debated on May 10, 2021; from May 25 to May 28, 2021; on April 7, 8 and 9, 2023; on September 21 and 22, 2023; and from April 25 to April 27, 2024. The issue will be taken up for the sixth time on April 9.  

Director of Communications of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, Fr Jude Krishantha, when contacted by the Daily Mirror, said the Church does not wish to comment on the matter. “ Let Parliament take up the debate. We have nothing to say about it,” he said.  

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman said they will raise questions with the government during the debate on Thursday. “ The government pledged to reveal the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks. Therefore, we will question the government during the debate,” he said.   Commenting on the stance taken by the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, he said the Church has become silent as it is backing the present government.