Cardinal calls for impartial and transparent probe into terrorist attacks

Colombo Archbishop His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has called for an impartial and transparent commission to investigate into the Easter Sunday attacks.

Addressing a press briefing today (Jul 31), the Cardinal took issue with the committee which had been appointed by the President to probe into the terrorist bombings.

"So far no report has been revealed to the public," he observed adding that there was no transparency and impartialness in the committee appointed by the President. 

While urging the government to reveal the finding of the committee's report without concealing it, the Cardinal noted that opposition political parties too did not exert pressure to take action over the tragedy.

Accordingly, he said that it is not only the ruling party but the opposition as well which must be blamed for the incident. 

The Cardinal also told the media that it was not a requirement for presidential candidates to visit him. "Firstly, they must do what they are supposed to do and then come forward as the candidate," he said.

Cardinal Ranjith also refuted claims that he has been a mouthpiece of certain politicians or political groups. "I will always stand on behalf of the people's rights," he emphasised.