Racist forces trying to derail Easter Sunday investigations, says Rishad Bathiudeen

13-Jun-2026

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All Ceylon Makkal Congress leader and MP Rishad Bathiudeen said investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings should continue without interference and that attempts to derail them must be rejected.

Speaking in Parliament on June 11, he stated that if Suresh Sale is innocent, he should cooperate with investigators and clear his name through the courts.

Bathiudeen argued that engaging in hunger strikes or demanding the removal of investigators was inappropriate and could undermine the investigative process.

He described such actions as immature and urged the government not to give in to pressure from extremist groups.

According to him, both Catholics affected by the attacks and Muslims who suffered from the resulting backlash are seeking justice and the truth.

He criticized protests held in support of Sale near Fort Railway Station, claiming they were attempts to stir ethnic tensions and distract attention from the investigations.

Bathiudeen noted that several Muslims, including lawyers and activists, had been detained in previous years, but those now protesting had remained silent during those incidents.

He also recalled his own detention and that of his brother, stating that despite receiving public support, they had not resorted to hunger strikes or attempts to mobilize ethnic divisions.

He urged the government to accelerate investigations and reveal the truth, adding that not only Sri Lanka but the entire international community was waiting for answers.