Who’s behind the April 2019 Easter Sunday bombings?

Not surprising to Lankans, even after over six months in power, the present regime, like its predecessors, seems to be dragging its feet regarding investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings and exposing those behind the crime

On Monday (21), Lankans will commemorate the sixth anniversary of the dastardly Easter Sunday bombings in our country. At least two-hundred and fifty-three persons lost their lives. Another 500 or more were injured in suicide bombings in Colombo (Kochchikade), Negombo, and Batticaloa. 

At least 250 people were killed by suicide bombers (who belonged to the Islamic community) attacked churches and hotels on that fateful day. Many feared the timing of the crime and the ferocity of the attacks would lead to another round of blood-letting based on religious identity this time around.

In the immediate aftermath of the bombings there was a danger of retaliatory attacks against the Muslim community in the country. In fact a few incidents of violence did take place. However, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith -the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Lanka- urged Catholics not to react violently against the Muslims. 

He said the attack was an attempt to set the Christians against Muslims and warned his congregation against engaging in violence. Had this not happened, the country may have witnessed another disaster along the lines of July 1983 attacks on the Tamil community. An act which would spell disaster for the country. The Cardinal in fact averted a huge disaster.

Today, six long years have elapsed since the 2019 bombing. A number of investigations have been completed. A Parliamentary Select Committee and a Presidential Commission have also probed into the crime. Yet, neither the Catholic community -the people worst affected by the bombings- the public, or the foreign tourists whose loved ones died in the bombings, are any closer to learning the identities of the evil genius/s behind the heinous crime. 

Many of our people have come to believe, that like other major crimes committed in the country, the identities of the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday bombings will remain unknown. Cardinal Ranjith however, has kept raising the issue and ensured the criminals do not escape unscathed.

According to reports, government spent 650 million rupees (about US $2.5 million), to investigate the bombings. The police have filed 23,000 charges against 25 men, accusing them of plotting the bombings. But the country is as yet in the dark as to who was behind the crime or why Lanka was the selected target -given that Christians and Muslims in the country enjoy an excellent relationship with each other. 

Since the presidential and parliamentary elections, the Cardinal himself indirectly spoke supportively of the new regime and President Dissanayake adding that he believed the President would deliver on the promise of justice to the community and the country.

Not surprising to Lankans, even after over six months in power, the present regime, like its predecessors, seems to be dragging its feet regarding investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings and exposing those behind the crime. In frustration in mid March, Church authorities warned they would take to the streets if government did not fulfill its promise within five weeks. In response President Dissanayake announced that the government would disclose the names of a significant number of individuals responsible for the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks before 21 April. Well, today is the 19th of April and another memorial service will be held for those who died in the attack.

Government is yet to reveal any significant revelation regarding those behind the bombings. All we know is that 23,000 charges were filed against 25 individuals accused of being indirectly connected to the suicide bombers. The matter is still hanging fire and no one has been found guilty.  At this point it is good to remember none have been found guilty for crimes committed against the Tamil community during July 1983 either.  

If the president and his men and women in government are not aware of events behind the Easter Sunday bombings, they should let the public know their plight. Else people, irrespective of race, religion and ethnicity will have to ask themselves whether, they have once again been deceived by cheap politicians who promised much but delivered little or nothing.

Local government elections are around the corner. All communities joined hands to bring the present JVP/NPP regime into power. They will certainly not give their vote to those who fail to deliver on promises.