Searching for a Non-Existent Mastermind is Futile: Sarath Weerasekara

22-Apr-2026

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Former Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara stated that searching for a so-called “main mastermind” behind the Easter Sunday bombings is futile, as none of the reports submitted so far by Presidential Commissions of Inquiry, Parliamentary Select Committees, or investigation panels have indicated a political motive or identified such a mastermind.

He made these remarks during a media briefing held at the SLPP office on April 21.

He further stated:

Yesterday marked seven years since the Easter Sunday attacks. We extend our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives.

A total of 735 individuals were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attacks. Indictments have been filed against 79 individuals, and 25 cases have been filed across all nine provinces. In these cases, 25,753 charges have been presented.

In this context, the National People’s Power (NPP) claimed there was a political conspiracy and a mastermind behind the attacks in an attempt to secure Catholic votes. It was for this reason that Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith extended support to the NPP.

However, none of the reports submitted by Presidential Commissions, Parliamentary Committees, or investigation teams have stated that the attacks had a political motive or a main mastermind.

The FBI of the United States has reported that the Easter Sunday attacks were carried out according to ISIS ideology. Therefore, investigating a so-called mastermind is pointless.

Former State Intelligence Chief Suresh Salley, who worked dedicatedly to eliminate the LTTE, and former MP Pillayan have been arrested. These arrests, he claimed, were carried out to please the LTTE diaspora.

Searching for a non-existent mastermind is futile. ISIS ideology still exists among certain individuals in society, and special attention must be paid to them.