Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader and Member of Parliament Rauff Hakeem has called on former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Sisira Mendis and former Deputy Inspector General Nilantha Jayawardena's associate, Sallay, to surrender all relevant passwords to security forces investigating the devastating Easter Sunday attacks. Speaking at a press conference held in Kandy on Wednesday, April 17, Hakeem made a special statement emphasizing the urgent need for full cooperation from all relevant parties in order to uncover the complete truth behind one of Sri Lanka's most tragic terrorist incidents.
Hakeem's Strong Call for Transparency
Rauff Hakeem, a prominent political figure and longstanding leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, made it abundantly clear that he sees no justifiable reason why any individual should withhold passwords or any other critical digital information from the security forces currently engaged in the ongoing Easter Sunday attack investigation. Hakeem stressed that surrendering such information is not merely a legal obligation but also a moral and civic duty, particularly given the scale of devastation caused by the April 21, 2019 bombings that killed over 260 people and injured hundreds more across churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka.
Hakeem's statement comes amid growing public frustration over the slow pace of the Easter Sunday attack investigations and the perceived lack of accountability among high-ranking officials who may have had prior intelligence about the planned attacks. Many families of victims have continued to demand answers, and political leaders across party lines have been increasingly vocal about the need for a thorough, transparent, and unobstructed inquiry.
The Significance of Digital Evidence in the Investigation
In the modern era of counter-terrorism investigations, digital evidence has become one of the most critical tools available to security forces. Passwords to encrypted devices, email accounts, secure communication platforms, and other digital storage systems can hold vital information that could help investigators piece together the chain of events leading up to the attacks. By surrendering relevant passwords, individuals connected to the investigation could potentially unlock a treasure trove of intelligence that may reveal who knew what, and when.
Hakeem's call for Sallay to hand over these passwords underscores the broader challenge facing Sri Lanka's investigative authorities — that key digital evidence may currently be inaccessible, either due to encryption or deliberate non-cooperation from individuals who fear what such evidence might reveal. Legal experts and security analysts have pointed out that withholding such information not only hampers the investigation but may also constitute obstruction of justice under Sri Lankan law.
Political Implications of Hakeem's Statement
Hakeem's intervention carries significant political weight. As a senior Muslim politician and the leader of a party that represents the Muslim community — a community that has faced intense scrutiny and social backlash in the aftermath of the Easter attacks — his call for full cooperation is particularly meaningful. The Easter Sunday bombings were carried out by a local Islamist extremist group, and the Muslim community in Sri Lanka has since worked hard to distance itself from extremist ideology while also demanding justice for the victims.
By publicly urging Sallay to cooperate with security forces, Hakeem is sending a clear message that no individual, regardless of their political connections or former official status, should be allowed to obstruct the pursuit of justice. His statement also reflects a broader political consensus that the investigation must be allowed to proceed without interference, and that all relevant parties must be held accountable.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Demand for Justice
The Easter Sunday attacks of 2019 remain one of the darkest chapters in Sri Lanka's modern history. Despite the passage of several years, many questions surrounding the attacks remain unanswered. Several high-profile commissions of inquiry have been established, and numerous arrests have been made, but the full picture of who was responsible — and who may have failed in their duty to prevent the attacks — has yet to emerge fully in the public domain.
Victims' families and civil society organizations have consistently called for greater transparency and accountability. They argue that political interference has repeatedly slowed the investigation and that key individuals with potentially crucial information have not been adequately compelled to cooperate with authorities.
Conclusion
Rauff Hakeem's public statement demanding that Sallay surrender all relevant passwords to security forces is a significant development in the ongoing Easter Sunday attack investigation. It highlights the critical importance of digital evidence in modern terrorism inquiries and reinforces the principle that justice must not be obstructed by any individual or political consideration. As Sri Lanka continues to seek closure for the victims and their families, the cooperation of all relevant parties remains absolutely essential. Hakeem's call is a timely reminder that the pursuit of truth must remain paramount, regardless of the political or personal consequences for those involved.