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Free Media Movement calls for integrity in Easter Attack investigation as concerns mount for journalist Tharindu Jayawardena
The Free Media Movement (FMM) has called on the police, particularly the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to ensure that the investigation into the Easter attack remains focused and methodical, urging them to avoid any deviations or hasty decisions that could compromise justice for the victims.
The FMM, in a statement issued to the media on Thursday, highlighted that the police appear to be targeting investigative journalist Tharindu Jayawardena—who is uncovering unsettling truths about the Easter Sunday terror attacks—rather than addressing the genuine public outcry for justice.
The statement, signed by FMM Convener Hana Ibrahim and Secretary Lasantha de Silva, said that in a letter to Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Jayawardena expressed concerns about a potential plan for his arrest. The FMM emphasized that if he is detained in any capacity, they will not hesitate to take strong action. Known for his extensive reporting on the 2019 Easter attack and related incidents across various media outlets, Jayawardena has garnered significant attention from members of the Sri Lanka Parliament.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Police Inspector Induka Silva, head of the CID’s Murder Investigation Division, has requested the court to issue appropriate orders against Jayawardena, alleging that his activities have influenced ongoing investigations. These developments have drawn criticism toward the court, particularly regarding Silva, who was previously removed from the CID due to allegations against him. In his letter, Jayawardena identifies Silva as an officer involved in a conspiracy against Police Officer Shani Abeysekara, who was re-summoned by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration in 2019.
The FMM emphasized that ensuring justice for the victims of the Easter attack is currently the most pressing challenge facing the police. They have urged the police, including the CID, not to allow the investigation to deviate from its course or to make hasty decisions. Furthermore, they warn that if Tharindu Jayawardena is arrested, they will take all necessary measures to vigorously defend his safety and rights.
Pope Leo XIV appealed for “no more war” in a message to world powers during his first Sunday address at the Vatican.
Reflecting on current conflicts, the newly selected pontiff called for a “lasting peace” in the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and welcomed Saturday’s agreement to end recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.
He said he was “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza, expressed hope for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and wished for a “authentic, true and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to the crowd in St Peter’s Square.
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May this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings – PM
In her Vesak day message, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya wished that this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings
The full text of the prime ministers vesak day message:
“It is an honor to extend my Vesak day message to all citizens of the nation during this sacred period in which Buddhist community across Sri Lanka come together to pay homage to the Lord Buddha, upholding both material and spiritual offerings and commemorating the threefold sacred events of the Lord Buddha’s life.
Since ancient times, the lives of the Sri Lankan people have been deeply rooted by the teaching of the Lord Buddha and this is a greater inheritance we have received through the Dhamma. In our country, where people of diverse ethnicities and religions coexist in harmony, the collective celebration of a major religious festival such as Vesak stands as a powerful testament to that unity.
This year Vesak day celebration marks the first to be celebrated under the current government, which was established with the vision of “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” I believe that this Vesak season is a particularly a time to heal the hearts and minds of humanity, especially as our nation embarks on a path of meaningful transformation. Through this message, I take this opportunity to invite all of citizens to unite in mind and spirit, bound together by mutual respect and compassion.
I join all Sri Lankans in praying that the flames of war burning in various parts of the world at this moment may be extinguished, and that all people across the globe may be blessed with lives of happiness and peace.
May all of you have a blessed Vesak!”
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Special waste management programme launched under “Clean Sri Lanka” during the State Vesak Festival
Parallel with the State Vesak Festival that commenced on Saturday (10) in the Nuwara Eliya District, a special waste management initiative has been launched under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme to enhance facilities for devotees and ensure proper waste disposal in the city of Nuwara Eliya.
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit Nuwara Eliya during the Vesak Week, from May 10 to 16, this initiative is aimed at preserving the cleanliness and beauty of the area.
The programme will focus particularly on areas around the Gregory Lake, a key tourist attraction, and the Nuwara Eliya International Buddhist Centre, the venue for the State Vesak Festival.
In addition, the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative urges visiting devotees to refrain from bringing non-biodegradable material such as polythene and calls on all citizens to act responsibly by properly disposing of waste only at designated locations, while maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the environment.
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