EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS: VICTIM’S FATHER CALLS FOR JUSTICE AT UNHRC

The father of a young man killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has appealed for justice for the victims at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Suraj Nilang’s son, Vihanga Tejantha, was killed at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, addressed the council on behalf of the Centre for Society and Religion and Franciscans International. 

He emphasised the urgent need for a thorough, independent, and swift criminal investigation to hold all those responsible accountable.

Nilang also called on authorities to provide comprehensive economic, social, and psychological support to the injured and the families of the deceased.

Vihanga Tejantha, a 20-year-old Buddhist, was one of the few non-Christian victims killed in the attacks. 

During his address, Nilang expressed that hopes for justice are fading, even a year after the election of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He noted that the key masterminds behind the bombings have not been identified, and investigations continue to suffer from significant failures.

Nilang also raised concerns that prior intelligence warnings were ignored and that adequate security measures were not in place at churches and the Shangri-La Hotel, leaving people vulnerable to the attacks.

Both Franciscans International and the Centre for Society and Religion urged the government to conduct independent investigations, cooperate with international bodies to ensure accountability, and provide justice to victims' families through proper assessments and reparations.