Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has vowed to heed Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith’s repeated calls for justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the cardinal’s priestly ordination, Dissanayake said the government will pursue accountability.
“The government will have to undertake an investigation to uncover the truth behind the Easter Sunday attacks. It is a challenging task. However, we will ensure that justice is done to the victims,” the president said during the July 7 event at the Archbishop’s House in Colombo.
He recognized the cardinal’s persistent advocacy over the years.
“The cardinal sometimes makes a quiet request, other times he becomes influential when he speaks about the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks. In any case, we will listen to him,” said Dissanayake.
Cardinal Ranjith has consistently criticized state leaders for failing to ensure transparency and accountability following the coordinated bombings that killed nearly 300 people in churches and hotels across the country.
During the ceremony, the cardinal renewed his call for a thorough investigation.
“We ask you to investigate the 40 years of horrific crimes such as disappearances, murders, and criminal activities,” he said, urging the president “to continue to be active so that such acts of corruption do not occur in the future.”
The prelate also cautioned against relying on international financial institutions, urging the government to prioritize easing the cost of living and addressing the daily struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
Dissanayake said the cardinal’s calm response in 2019 helped prevent further unrest. “The cardinal’s patience and calm nature averted major problems that could have arisen at that time,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, members of the clergy, Buddhist leaders, diplomats, and top military and police officials.
Cardinal Ranjith was ordained a priest on June 29, 1975, by Pope Paul VI at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
He was appointed Archbishop of Colombo in 2009 and made cardinal in 2010. A thanksgiving Mass was earlier held on June 30 at St. Lucy’s Cathedral in Colombo.
To commemorate the jubilee, a special stamp and first-day cover were also presented during the event.
