Debate in Parliament Over Easter Attack Mastermind Statement

11-Oct-2025

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A heated argument erupted in Parliament on October 9 over reports circulating on social media that former Senior DIG and Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne told a parliamentary committee that the main mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks had been identified and that India was behind it.

The Police Media Division had already issued a statement on October 9, denying the social media reports. The issue was raised in Parliament by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Dayasiri Jayasekara during a special statement.

Jayasekara said:

“I am a member of the Parliamentary Committee on High Posts. During the session on October 8, Secretary Ravi Seneviratne, responding to a question by MP Nizam Kariapper, stated that the main mastermind behind the Easter attacks had been identified. This news appeared on social media, and now every media outlet is asking us about it.

However, the Police Media Division has since stated that he did not mention India’s involvement. If so, let the relevant authorities clarify the matter. If he did not make such a statement in the committee, then who is the identified mastermind? The minister, deputy minister, or another responsible person must clarify this.”

Justice and National Unity Minister Harsha Nanayakkara responded:

“An investigation is ongoing. Mr. Seneviratne only answered questions within the committee; he did not make statements to the media. Since it forms part of an official inquiry, the comments cannot be deleted from the record. We should not allow those seeking to disrupt the investigation to misuse this situation.”

MP Jayasekara retorted that MP Nizam Kariapper himself had tweeted about it. “Normally, no member tweets about what happens in a high posts committee meeting. He may have done so unknowingly as a new member. However, the posts appeared online by October 8 evening, even before his tweet this morning,” he noted.

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe intervened, saying:

“Officials are summoned to the High Posts Committee under an oath of responsibility. It is a primary committee of Parliament. If members publish confidential committee matters on personal social media, that constitutes a grave offense. Such members must face inquiry. This habit of posting internal matters online must end. The concerned MP should be warned and possibly removed from the committee,” he urged.