News Today: Cardinal Ranjith Questions Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Suspicious Committee

Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, raised concerns over former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s decision to appoint a committee earlier this year, led by Retired Judge A. N. J. Alwis. The committee was tasked with investigating the actions of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), and other related authorities in connection to the intelligence received prior to the tragic Easter Sunday bombing on April 21st, 2019.

Cardinal Ranjith described the committee’s formation as “suspicious,” questioning whether it was intended to politically target officers Shani Abeysekera and Ravi Seneviratne, who were involved in previous investigations into the attack. During a media briefing, he expressed suspicion that the former President’s move could be part of a larger political agenda, particularly hinting at the potential manipulation of the probe.

The Cardinal also mentioned that former Minister Udaya Gammanpila seemed to have re-emerged with new information surrounding the case, after years of silence. “Why is Gammanpila now coming forward with this report?” Cardinal Ranjith questioned, indicating the timing could be connected to political motives.

This inquiry has fueled further concerns over transparency in the ongoing investigation into the devastating Easter Sunday attacks that claimed hundreds of lives, as the public seeks answers and justice.