Forgiveness over Retaliation: Easter Sunday attacks

Six years have passed since the devastating Easter Sunday attacks. And yet, justice remains painfully out of reach. Despite numerous investigations, commissions, and public outcries, the masterminds behind the planning and execution have still not been conclusively identified or brought to justice. 
In recent times,  Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, supported by members of the Christian community and some prominent Buddhist monks, has renewed calls for the government to act decisively and punish the perpetrators. Their appeals reflect the legitimate frustration of communities that have waited too long for closure.
Perhaps it is time to consider a different path—a courageous and moral one. What if, instead of demanding punishment, we chose to offer forgiveness? What if we follow the path of rehabilitation over retaliation the way our great religious leaders preached?
A general amnesty for those involved in the attacks may seem unthinkable to some. But such an act, rooted in genuine forgiveness and a commitment to national healing, could mark a turning point in our history. It would be a bold reaffirmation of the values we claim to hold dear.
This is not a call to ignore the pain of the victims or the gravity of the crimes committed. Rather, it is a plea to rise above the instinct for vengeance and embrace the higher path of compassion. In a world increasingly divided by anger and fear, choosing forgiveness is perhaps the most radical and transformative act we can undertake.
A. G. Weerasinghe