Mujibur Rahman on Saturday criticised former minister Udaya Gammanpila over his recent book on the Easter Sunday attacks, alleging that it attempts to mislead the public and revive “bankrupt politics” surrounding the tragedy.
Speaking at a media briefing, Rahman said that while it is widely accepted that Zahran Hashim and his group carried out the bombings, the key issue remains identifying those who supported, protected, and enabled them.
He noted that over the years, various figures involved in investigations have pointed to the possibility of a broader conspiracy beyond the suicide attackers.
Rahman further claimed that Gammanpila’s book lacks credibility, alleging that his previous role as a lawyer for Suresh Sallay, who is currently under investigation, raises questions about his independence on the matter. He argued that the publication largely reflects Sallay’s perspective rather than presenting independently verified findings.
He also highlighted contradictions within the same political camp, stating that different individuals have named different alleged “masterminds” behind the attacks.
Accusing certain political actors of attempting to exploit the tragedy for divisive purposes, Rahman warned against the return of racist and religiously polarising narratives.
He called on the government to ensure greater transparency by releasing all volumes of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry report to the public and conducting ongoing investigations and court proceedings openly.
Rahman emphasized that the public mandate requires authorities to identify and hold accountable all those responsible for planning and supporting the Easter attacks.
