Colombo Catholic Archbishop objects to giving top post to SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena

“Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith says that the current government is undermining the rule of law in the country and the conspiracy behind the Easter attack was being covered up as well as protecting the criminals,” said Father Cyril Gamini Fernando conveying the statement of Archbishop.

He made these remarks 09th January at a press briefing held at the Archbishop’s House, while commenting on the response of the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Ranjith regarding an attempt to grant Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardene a top position in the Sri Lanka Police.

Father Gamini emphasized that the need for safeguarding and granting privileges to Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardene is in order to prevent the truth of the Easter Sunday terror attacks from being revealed.

Further reading the statement of Archbishop, Father Gamini said “Nilantha Jayawardene received the first information from an Indian intelligence colleague on April 04, 2019 that the Easter bombings could be carried out. Also, on the 05th of April 2019, he received all the information about the possible attack and the exact date, the place where the attack could be carried out, etc.

Father Cyril Gamini said that even though he had received all this information three weeks before the Easter attack, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nilantha Jayawardena had failed to take measures to prevent the attack. He said that it has been reported that he accepted it.

“The Commission of Inquiry is of the opinion that Nilantha Jayawardena has a cursed responsibility. The Commission of Inquiry recommends that the Attorney General should consider filing criminal proceedings against Nilantha Jayawardene under the appropriate provisions of the Penal Code. It is clear that Nilantha Jayawardena is responsible for the lives of around 270 innocent people.” Said Father Gamini.

“In spite of this, we strongly condemn the efforts of the Sri Lanka Police to make Nilantha Jayawardena the Inspector General of Police without implementing the recommendations given by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry. Also, we express our strong opposition to the current appointments.” Said Father Gamini.

Nilantha Jayawardena was recently appointed as the Senior DIG (Administration) while speculation is rife that he is tipped to be appointed as the next Inspector general of Police (IGP).

Archbishop also stressed that “It is clear that President Ranil Wickremesinghe too, is a disgraceful act of hiding the conspiracy behind the Easter attack as well as protecting the criminals.” said Father Cyril Gamini.