No need for intl. investigation if crdible domestic probe is conducted: Cardinal

By Prageeth Janaka

Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has called on the government to ensure a credible, transparent investigation into the Easter Sunday terror attacks. He has said the need for an international probe could be avoided if the inquiry is carried out with integrity and devoid of political influence.

Addressing the media during the golden jubilee celebration of St. Michael’s Church, at Embilipitiya, on Sunday (24), the Cardinal expressed skepticism about the credibility of an investigation conducted by the same officers who had failed to prevent the devastating Easter Sunday attacks. He questioned how a genuine probe could be expected when those accused of mishandling prior warnings about the attack still held top positions in the government and the state service.

“How could they guarantee that the truth will come out of this probe if it is conducted while those who had been accused of manipulating prior warnings of the attack are holding to the top posts?” Cardinal Ranjith asked, emphasising the importance of suspending the politicians and officials implicated in allowing the attacks to occur. He advocated for the involvement of independent parties to ensure transparency in the investigation, asserting that this approach would eliminate the need for international intervention.

Cardinal Ranjith also raised concerns about the involvement of corrupt politicians and officials who protect each other and called for political leaders to lead a probe conducted by honest officials. However, he stressed that measures should be in place to prevent corrupt individuals from influencing the investigation.

Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera, also speaking at the same event, said that there should be an international probe because the country has no reliable alternative to hold the perpetrators accountable for the Easter Sunday attacks.