Cannot Accept Deputy Solicitor General’s Claim: Sarath Weerasekara

25-May-2026

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Former Parliamentarian of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Sarath Weerasekara stated that he cannot accept the claim made by Deputy Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris that former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Saley was the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks, based on the statement of asylum seeker Asad Maulana.

Speaking at a media briefing held in Colombo on May 24, Weerasekara said the allegations were politically motivated. Because in Sri Lankan politics, even tragedy eventually gets dragged into the wrestling ring of accusations and counter-accusations.

Further commenting, he said that the Deputy Solicitor General had informed court that Suresh Saley was the principal architect behind the Easter Sunday bombings.

According to him, the allegation was based on statements made by Asad Maulana, who has reportedly sought political asylum in France.

Weerasekara argued that blaming Suresh Saley solely on the basis of Maulana’s statement indicates a political agenda. He pointed out that several investigations had already identified Zahran Hashim as the principal mastermind behind the attacks, and therefore introducing a new narrative at this stage would only mislead the public.

He further alleged that the present government has completely politicised the Easter Sunday attack investigations. He claimed that the Catholic Church and the Catholic community had been deceived through false promises.

Weerasekara also criticised officials who held key security positions at the time of the attacks, stating that they had failed to take appropriate measures to prevent the bombings. He remarked that it was ironic that the same individuals are now conducting investigations and making allegations against others.