by Saman Indrajith

Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijeypala informed Parliament yesterday that new evidence had emerged in the investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Responding to a question raised by Puttalam District NPP MP Ajith Gihan, the Minister said that following the resumption of investigations under the new government, both civil and military personnel had come forward to furnish new evidence.

The Minister said the latest investigation had been initiated, as reported to the Colombo Fort Magistrate Court on November 11, 2024, under case No. B 35882/2024.

Investigators had recorded statements from 48 individuals so far. Among them were 12 civilians, seven army personnel, 26 police officers, and three prison officials, the Minister said.

The Minister added that investigations conducted by the CID and the Terrorist Investigation Division, under previous administrations, had led to the arrest of 747 suspects. Forty-one cases had been filed against 100 of those suspects before the High Courts, and indictments had been served on 14 of them by the Attorney General, he said.

Minister Wijeypala agreed with the NPP MP that the Catholic Church, led by His Eminence the Cardinal, along with other religious leaders, expected the masterminds and all responsible individuals behind the Easter Sunday terror attacks to be brought to justice soon.

The Minister said matters raised following the Channel 4 revelations on the Easter Sunday attacks, as well as information from other sources, were being thoroughly investigated. Legal action would be taken based on the results of these investigations.

MP Gihan: “As you have informed this House, several cases are currently in progress. They were filed on the basis of the findings of investigations and reports from commissions of inquiry appointed by previous governments. New evidence is emerging, and I ask whether new commissions or appropriate mechanisms will be established to examine this evidence.”

Minister Wijayapala: “We have initiated fresh investigations since the new government took office. We assure you that investigations are on track.”