Witnesses Who Exposed Easter Attack Truths Face Threats: CID Informs Court
26-Apr-2026.
As seven years have passed since the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has informed court that key witnesses who revealed hidden truths behind the attack are now facing abduction, torture and death threats.
The CID stated that in an attempt to create the impression that the attacks were planned solely by ISIS, Professor Rohan Gunaratna had met Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, who was in remand custody at the Batticaloa prison, on three occasions between 2015 and 2021. It is suspected that books written jointly by the two may have been an effort to conceal the real masterminds behind the attacks.
The CID also revealed that although the killing of two police officers in Vavunatheevu prior to the Easter attacks was carried out by Zaharan’s group, the incident was misdirected to suggest it was done by former LTTE members. A witness who provided information regarding this was contacted by an individual from military intelligence, who offered money to leave the country. When the witness refused, threats were made to implicate him in a drug case, and he was allegedly followed and intimidated by motorcycle.
In another incident, two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle threatened a witness who provided information regarding suspicious activities linked to former State Intelligence chief Suresh Sallay. One of the individuals was identified as belonging to the Negombo military intelligence unit.
A witness who disclosed details about a military intelligence officer supplying weapons to members of Zaharan’s National Thowheed Jamaath was reportedly issued direct death threats by police officers attached to the Batticaloa Senior Deputy Inspector General’s Office. The witness was allegedly threatened with illegal detention and execution, while money and valuables were forcibly taken.
Additionally, a person who testified about a military intelligence officer who had prior knowledge of the Easter attacks was lured through a fake Facebook account and brutally assaulted in the Valaichchenai area. The victim’s father stated that a military intelligence officer was connected to the assault.
After reviewing these matters, Fort Magistrate Isuru Neththikumara warned that the situation is extremely serious. He emphasised that it is not necessary to wait for a court order to protect witnesses, and that the Attorney General’s Department already has authority to take immediate action.
