News
Batalanda: Why only now and what about the others, asks Mujibur
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman launched a fierce critique of the political hypocrisy surrounding the Batalanda Commission report during Thursday’s (10) parliamentary session.
Rahuman pointed to the violent actions of the JVP, which had devastating effects on politicians, police officers, and civilians, as detailed in the Commission’s final report.
He said that the violence had disrupted vital services and created a state of lawlessness, severely affecting the public.
The MP accused political opponents of exploiting the Batalanda issue for electoral advantage, noting that for 36 years, no proposals were made to investigate the assassination of JVP leader Rohana Wijeweera.
He criticized the JVP for forming “probationary” governments with Chandrika Kumaratunga and backing Ranil Wickremesinghe in the yahapalana effort, yet failing to address the Batalanda issue during their tenures.
Rahuman also questioned the current attacks on Wickremesinghe, highlighting that many of his critics had previously collaborated with him. He called attention to the JVP’s statements regarding Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s alleged involvement in a Matale mass grave and the distribution of pamphlets on the subject during the 2022 Galle Face protests.
The MP called for accountability, questioning why no proposals were put forward on these issues when the current government came into power. He also criticized the NPP for its leaders, who, despite being involved in suppressions during the 80s and 90s, now sought positions within the government. Rahuman accused them of hypocrisy, warning against dragging the Batalanda issue into the ongoing election.Rahuman said that the historical wrongs committed by JVP political leaders cannot be erased, regardless of attempts to downplay them.
Police and armed forces personnel will be deployed at all churches today as the sixth anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks is marked.Police stations have been instructed to provide special security to churches in their areas and seek assistance from the STF and tri-forces where additional manpower is needed.
Security arrangements have been made under the direction of Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyakontha convened a special meeting on Thursday, instructing the Commanders of the Tri-Forces to implement a comprehensive security plan to safeguard worshippers attending Easter Sunday services.
He further directed that the measures be taken in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Security to ensure effective implementation and to allow Christians to attend services without fear or inconvenience.The main commemoration service is set to begin with a procession from St. Lucia’s Cathedral at 7:00 a.m., with participation from Catholics
in nearby parishes—particularly from Colombo Central, Colombo North, Wattala, and Ragama—as well as brothers from junior and national seminaries, priests, and religious leaders. Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith is expected to conduct the prayer service, which is scheduled to begin at 8:40 a.m.
A separate commemoration will also take place at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, in two sessions—one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 4:30 p.m.
By Norman Palihawadane
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka says that ascertaining who the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 were and those who have aided and abetted in the dastardly act, is a matter of urgency.
In its special message for Easter the conference says: “This Easter also marks the sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks on innocent worshipers at Catholic and other Christian Churches and in other places in 2019, causing death and injuries to hundreds of people. In this regard, we observe that certain positive steps have been taken by the present government to ensure an independent and impartial inquiry into this brutal attack.
While we appreciate the efforts made so far, we insist that as a matter of urgency and justice, the final aim of the inquiries should be to ascertain who the perpetrators are and those who have aided and abetted in the dastardly act.
We shall continue to pray earnestly for wisdom and courage for the leaders of our country, as well as solace and healing for the victims,” the message signed by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Sri Lanka, Bishop Harold Anthony Perera and Secretary General Bishop Anthony Jayakody said.
A new bill has been drafted to abolish the controversial Online Safety law passed by the previous government.
A gazette notification, announcing “Bill to Repeal the Online Safety Act No. 09 of 2024”, has been issued.
The bill has been presented as a Private Member’s Bill by MP Ravi Karunanayake.
By Akitha Perera
Sixth anniversary of Easter Sunday carnage: Special security provided to churches
Easter Sunday carnage: Catholic Bishops’ Conference renews call for justice
Bill to abolish Online Safety law gazetted
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