News
Cardinal accuses some leaders of using Easter attacks for political benefit
“God almighty has started to expose those responsible”
By Norman Palihawadane
His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Friday said that it was now clearly evident that certain leaders used the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks for their political advantage.
“It is clear that these attacks were a conspiracy,” he told a national prayer service held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka at Tewatte in Ragama to mark 1,000th day of Easter Sunday terror attacks.
“The 2019 April Attacks may be over. But, today we can see that those in powerful places are attempting to put the entire blame on Muslim extremists and cover up the truth. However, the truth is now coming out. Many tried to cover up the truth and they failed to do so.
“God Almighty has started to expose those who are responsible for this. The Parliamentary Select Committee in its findings said that Intelligence that only a few people were privy to, was not shared with relevant parties. The Parliamentary Select Committee on State Intelligence has highlighted serious concerns over this,” he said.
“The Parliamentary Select Committee has also called for further investigations to determine if action was not taken on the intelligence received that claimed that persons with vested interests were attempting to incite fear, uncertainty, and turmoil in the country targeting the elections that were to be held later that year (2019),” he said quoting from the PSC report in his address.
He said it is now even more clear that persons with vested interests had ulterior objectives that they concealed the fact they were aware of the intelligence and did nothing to save the lives, and also prevented those from taking action to prevent the attacks well.
“Such events will lead to a call for a change in government to control acts of terror by inciting fear among the people. This report suggests that the attacks were used to win votes at the election,” he said.
The service was attended by the survivors of the suicide bomb attacks at Katuwapitiya and Kochchikade churches as well as the family members of the victims.
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 12 April 2026, valid for 13 April 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (13th) are Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon.
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) TAIMUR and ASLAT arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 12 Apr 26.
The visiting ships were welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in
compliance with naval traditions.
The duo of ships is commanded by Captain NIAMAT SAEED KHAN (PNS TAIMUR) and Captain NADIR MATEEN AFRIDI (PNS ASLAT).
Meanwhile, the ships are expected to conduct a Bilateral Naval Exercise LION STAR V with the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo seas.
Salt and Patidar power RCB past Mumbai Indians
Prasidh, Buttler set up comfortable win for Gujarat Titans
Heat Index at Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.
Showers above 75 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces.
Sun directly overhead Pesalai, Mankulam and Nedunkerny about 12:11 noon
PNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News2 days agoCEB orders temporary shutdown of large rooftop solar systems
-
News7 days agoLankan-origin actress Subashini found dead in India
-
News5 days agoAG: Coal procurement full of irregularities
-
Business4 days agoIsraeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility
-
Business5 days agoHayleys Mobility introduces Premium OMODA C9 PHEV
-
News7 days agoUN Regional Director launches SL’s first Country Gender Equality Profile during official visit
-
News7 days agoDialog Launches ‘GanuDenu QR’, Making Cashless Transfers Free for All with eZ Cash and Dialog Finance
-
Business4 days agoHNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’