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Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Tuesday that all perpetrators responsible for the Easter Sunday bombings in the island country a year ago will be identified and brought before the law.
Marking the first year anniversary of the attacks which killed over 250 people in Sri Lanka targeting three churches and three luxury hotels, President Rajapaksa said he deeply empathized with the families of all those who lost their lives or sustained grave injuries, the Catholic community and entire Sri Lankan citizenry who were terrorized by these horrifying massacres.
"Even though Catholics were targeted, this was a terrorist attack against all Sri Lankan citizens. This heinous crime against humanity needs to be condemned by all without any tolerance towards this extremist ideology," the president said.
"I reiterate the pledge I made in 'Vistas for Prosperity' policy statement that I will ensure the safety of all communities in my country. I will not leave any room for any form of extremism, or violence from any extremists to be unleashed on my people again. I also assure you that the true perpetrators responsible for this Easter Sunday massacres will be identified and brought before the law," the president added.
Sri Lankans, earlier on Monday, observed a nationwide minute's silence to remember all local and foreign nationals who were killed in the attacks, wounded and disabled. President Rajapaksa also requested the nation to light a candle in remembrance of the victims.
Over 250 people were killed and 500 injured when suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels in the country on April 21 last year.
Police said at least 100 suspects have been arrested over alleged links to the attacks and the suspects are under the custody of the Criminal Investigations Department and the Terrorism Investigations Department.