The Catholic Church has called for the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks to continue without interruption, while also renewing calls for either the amendment or complete repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

The statement was made today (08) at a media briefing held at the Archbishop’s House in Colombo, where the Spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando addressed concerns related to the progress of investigations and broader legal and human rights issues.

Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks must proceed without political interference, stressing that identifying any wider conspiracy behind the bombings remains a right of victims and bereaved families.

Addressing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said the law had raised serious human rights concerns, particularly regarding detainee treatment. While acknowledging the need for national security measures, he said the PTA contained “inhumane aspects” and should either be substantially reformed or fully repealed.

Responding to questions on the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday attacks, he said the group led by Zahran Hashim carried out suicide bombings influenced by extremist ideology. However, he stressed that investigations must also focus on identifying those who supported, facilitated, or enabled the attackers.

He further noted that the Church was not concerned with politically set deadlines regarding the identification of the alleged mastermind behind the attacks, referring to previous statements attributed to the President.

“We are not asking for deadlines. We are only asking that investigations be conducted lawfully, impartially, and concluded through the judicial process,” he said.

Authorities continue to face calls from multiple stakeholders for greater transparency and accountability in the investigation into the coordinated bombings that killed over 260 people in April 2019.