Just days after news broke that Channel Four’s documentary on the Easter attacks had been dismissed as a hoax by the committee led by Judge Imam – appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe – the Ministry of Public Security has bizarrely revived its investigation into the matter, prompted by an enigmatic complaint from an external organisation. The Sri Lanka Police Media Unit issued a statement on November 11 at 7:35 PM – just hours before the official end of campaigning for the parliamentary elections on November 14. This hasty announcement raises eyebrows, not just because of the timing, but also due to the claim that it stems from a complaint received from an external entity.
The retired civil servant, now head of administration at the Ministry of Public Security, is an individual long accused of failing to prevent the Easter attacks, yet has never once engaged in any judicial process to address these allegations. Despite this, he has, like many others, persistently denied the accusations. A few days ago, he and a fellow retired officer – rehired on a one-year contract by the current government – gave an interview to a major English newspaper, dismissing the allegations against them. No concrete evidence was provided, but both men have shamelessly used the media to bolster their reputations.
Meanwhile, a new form of so-called investigative journalism has emerged, with social media users leaking confidential reports from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), seemingly aimed at improving the image of these two officers. Just days ago, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made a bold statement at a public rally in Anuradhapura, claiming that he would soon reveal ‘good news’ about the Easter attacks. While the morality of such a statement – regarding a tragedy that claimed nearly 300 lives – is highly questionable, it is, unfortunately, typical of the ruthless political manoeuvrings that define this power struggle. Clearly, the President sees this as an opportunity to consolidate more power.
When we examine the chain of events leading up to this renewed investigation into the ‘certain facts’ presented in Channel Four’s programme on the Easter attacks, the ugly intersection of dirty politics and vested interests becomes glaringly evident.
To truly understand the situation, we must consider the key individuals featured in the Channel Four documentary. Among them is Azad Maulana, whose role in the events surrounding the attacks has remained a point of controversy. According to the Imam Committee’s report, Maulana – a former media spokesperson for Pillayan, the Chief Minister of the Eastern Province – fabricated a false confession in order to flee the country and seek asylum. Yet, it is clear that Maulana has garnered support from a number of Sri Lankans, both within the country and abroad. Alongside him in the documentary were figures such as Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, and a retired CID officer who, notably, covered his face during his testimony. Another officer, alleged to have sought asylum abroad, and a former diplomat also featured prominently. The diplomat himself admitted to falsely instructing a Muslim journalist, residing in the UK, to produce the film. He further claimed that the documentary’s content was entirely fabricated – a statement corroborated by media reports at the time.
This suggests that Channel Four’s programme was not merely a product of investigative journalism but rather the work of a highly coordinated group using the channel as a pawn. It seems likely that even Channel Four, along with its documentary directors, were unwittingly duped by this orchestrated effort.
An even more curious turn occurred after the broadcast. A retired police officer, currently serving as Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security, gave an interview to Australian media, asserting that the allegations made against Sri Lanka’s intelligence services in the Channel Four documentary were true.
This raises an alarming question: Could this officer be the same individual who spoke anonymously on the Channel Four programme? If so, how can such a person, with this blatant lack of credibility, serve as the Secretary of the very Ministry responsible for investigating the Easter attacks? Could this ‘new investigation’ be nothing more than a transparent attempt to shield this officer and others in his circle from the consequences of their failures? And if the previous investigations were politicised, are we not now witnessing a new form of political exploitation of this national tragedy?
What exactly can we expect from this so-called ‘new investigation’? The group that used Channel Four as a tool has regrouped, now with political protection and the power to sway leadership decisions. Maulana, who previously ignored the Imam Committee’s inquiries, is clearly a central figure in this operation. It appears the government is now grooming him to play a key role, likely guiding him to carefully examine the evidence presented by government officials to the Imam Committee and respond with narratives tailored to fit their agenda. According to reliable sources, Maulana has already been questioned and provided the ‘appropriate’ answers – ready to be rehearsed for public consumption. This carefully constructed narrative could easily be manipulated into a political weapon.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security and his close associate, now on a government contract, are clearly in control of this manipulation. Reports suggest that the retired CID officer, who worked alongside Maulana to deceive Channel Four and is now living in Switzerland, is still pulling strings. The irony is palpable: how can a man who has refused to respond to an independent commission suddenly find his voice to aid the State Investigation Department? But the necessary arrangements have already been made, and President Dissanayake is reportedly eager to present the country with ‘good news’ – delivered by these very individuals.
Under this new investigation, Pillayan, the former Chief Minister of the Eastern Province, will be questioned not only about the Easter attacks but also about past crimes. It would not be surprising if he were arrested in a bid to amplify the spectacle surrounding the investigation. The narrative being crafted will likely aim to prove that members of the military intelligence services colluded with Pillayan and the Karuna group, pointing to them as the ‘masterminds’ of the Easter attacks. This revelation could be used by the current political leadership for months, distracting the public from the government’s own shortcomings and incompetence.
It is now clear what this upcoming ‘drama’ is likely to entail. This sensationalist investigation will undoubtedly dominate the media for a while, both locally and internationally. But in the end, it will bring no justice to those who were truly affected by this horrific crime. Instead, this new self-proclaimed saviour will prove to be yet another political player shamelessly exploiting a national tragedy for personal gain.
By: Hassan Ali
