The leader of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya and former Minister, Udaya Gammanpila, emphasised today (31) that Zahran Hashim was the sole mastermind behind the Easter Sunday suicide attacks.

He made these remarks during the launch of his book titled ‘In Search of the Mastermind of the Easter Attack’.

The event was held under the patronage of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

A large gathering of political figures attended, including former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, as well as Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

According to the details presented in the book and highlighted by Gammanpila during the launch:

The book asserts that Zahran Hashim personally managed the collection of explosives, the manufacturing of bombs, and the stockpiling of weapons.

He held the total authority to select the suicide bombers and determine the specific targets for the attacks.

Gammanpila stated that Zahran conducted training camps to psychologically prepare the suicide bombers for the mission.

He further claimed that Zahran provided all necessary technical and material facilities required for the operation.

The former Minister pointed out that while Zahran handled the primary operations, the necessary infrastructure and financial resources—exceeding Rs. 300 million—were allegedly provided by Mohamed Ibrahim, whom Gammanpila identified as a politician associated with the National People's Power (NPP).

Gammanpila argued that since Zahran led the attacks as the Sri Lankan leader of the international ISIS organisation, there is no other "mastermind" behind the scenes.

He claimed to possess an affidavit submitted before a US court to support these findings.