PUBLIC APPEAL: Former Attorney General must explain his “Grand Conspiracy” statement on 2019 Easter Sunday attacks
In 2019, exactly 10 years after the end of LTTE separatist terrorism, coordinated attacks targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, claiming nearly 300 lives and injuring over 500. The attacks were carried out by a group of radicalized individuals linked to extremist ideology wanting to align with a quest to create a caliphate in Sri Lanka. In May 2021, the then Attorney General, Dappula de Livera, publicly stated that there was “clear evidence of a grand conspiracy” behind the attacks, despite investigations remaining incomplete and in the context of extensive prior intelligence warnings and over 300 intel briefs sent about the leader of the group that committed jihad on 21st April 2019.
The statement has since been cited in public discourse, including by members of the Catholic clergy such as Father Cyril Gamini, and has been a point of reference in legal proceedings, influencing ongoing narratives regarding the attacks.
However, the continued reliance on this statement has raised serious implications for investigative processes, institutional credibility, and public perception
Legal Summons and Response
The Terrorism Investigation Division in 2023 formally summoned the former AG to clarify his May 2021 statement.
He did the unthinkable. He sent his lawyer & filed legal objections.
The decision not to appear personally, but instead respond through legal representation and objections, raises questions given the nature and gravity of the original statement.
It is also relevant to note that concerns had been raised regarding the conduct of certain officials within the Attorney General’s Department during this period. Public reports indicate that disciplinary proceedings were initiated in relation to Deputy Solicitor General Azard Navavi and State Counsel Malik Aziz concerning matters linked to the handling of investigation files, including those connected to Zahran Hashim.
These developments, which were subject to official processes, point to internal issues relating to the management and progression of critical case files at the time inside the AGs department itself.
Where questions existed regarding the handling of key investigations, the basis upon which a definitive assertion of a “grand conspiracy” was made warrants further clarification.
Why The Matters
When an Attorney General of a country makes a statement, it carries enormous weight.
As the Chief Legal Officer of the State, any assertion made publicly is expected to be grounded in material that can withstand legal scrutiny.
This in turn will reconfirm public trust in the institution and processes.
Thus, an AG who makes a statement that there is a grand conspiracy two years following the Easter Sunday attacks, must support the statement with verifiable evidence especially when the statement is linked to a vast loss of life and families are dealing with the tragedy wanting closure.
The statement by the former AG is also harming the entire security apparatus with allegations being made against various intelligence units, potentially affecting morale and public confidence in national security institutions. We do not wish to witness a repeat of the 2002 Millennium City debacle that caused to deaths of over 50 intel operatives gunned down after their names were exposed to the LTTE.
Any assertion of a “grand conspiracy” must ultimately be evaluated against the findings of official investigations, commissions, and committees, international investigations and existing alerts regarding the spread of radicalism.
In short, conclusions must be supported by verifiable evidence rather than further speculation.
The Risks of Unverified Assertions
The continued propagation of unverified conspiracy narratives risks diverting attention from evidence-based investigations and may contribute to actions that are not aligned with established findings. In such an environment, there is a real danger of undermining the effectiveness of intelligence coordination and operational continuity.
This is particularly worrying given that elements linked to extremist networks, including individuals exposed to radicalization and training associated with the 2019 attacks, have not been fully accounted for.
Periodic discoveries of weapons, explosives, and related materials further reinforce that the threat cannot be treated as resolved.
In this context, any weakening of intelligence structures, whether through misdirected focus or erosion of institutional confidence, poses a broader risk to national security and public safety.
At a time when vigilance remains critical, clarity in public statements especially by those holding office is essential to ensure that national security efforts remain focused, credible, and effective.
In this context, clarity is essential.
Public Appeal to Former AG Dappula de Livera
The people therefore appeal to former Attorney General Dappula de Livera to clarify publicly:
- What specific evidentiary material formed the basis of the May 2021 statement that there existed a “grand conspiracy”?
- Why was such a conclusion publicly asserted at a time when investigations were acknowledged to be incomplete?
- Was this material presented before any formal legal or investigative body, and if so, what were the findings?
- In the absence of publicly disclosed evidence, how should institutions and the public interpret this statement today?
By responding, former AG Dappula de Livera would:
- Restore public confidence in the legal system in particular the Attorney General’s Dept and investigative process.
- Prevent continued misdirection of public opinion and institutional belief based on unverified claims.
- Honor his role as a former Attorney General, who must demonstrate that allegations are always accompanied by evidence.
This appeal is made in the interest of transparency, accountability, and justice for the victims and their families. It is a call for the former AG to use his authority responsibly to provide clarity and end speculation that continues to affect both the public and critical institutions. Much expectations are on his shoulder with this appeal.
In the absence of publicly disclosed evidence, the statement continues to raise unanswered questions that warrant clarification.
This appeal is not to contest any conclusion, but to seek clarity on a statement that continues to influence national discourse. The continued reference to this assertion, without corresponding evidentiary disclosure, has had a tangible impact on public understanding and institutional processes and has resulted in unwarranted arrests.
Statements that influence investigations, institutions, and public perception must be supported by verifiable facts to ensure that focus remains where it is most needed.
The call is therefore simple: where a “grand conspiracy” has been asserted, the evidence must now be presented, so that truth—not speculation—guides the path forward to closure.
Shenali D Waduge
Media reports covering former AG’s statements
EconomyNext – “Attorney General claims grand conspiracy” (18 May 2021)
Dappula De Livera says “Clear evidence of a grand conspiracy” behind 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs6MxXykkCk
Former Attorney General Dappula De Livera summoned to TID
Ada Derana – “Former AG summoned to TID” (2023)
https://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=89972
TID reissued a summons for former AG to give a statement regarding his 2021 “grand conspiracy” claim.
Confirms ongoing investigative interest and legal obligations to clarify statements that affect public perception and ongoing legal processes.
AG refuses to defend his “grand conspiracy” theory with statement
FT – “Former AG gives TID a miss” (April 2023)
https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Former-AG-gives-TID-a-miss/44-747514
TID summoned former AG Dappula de Livera to clarify the “grand conspiracy” statement. He did not appear personally, instead sent lawyer to represent him & prevented verification of statement made on 18 May 2021.
News1st – “Lawyer representing former AG appears at TID” (April 2023)
https://www.newsfirst.lk/2023/04/19/lawyer-representing-former-ag-dappula-de-livera-appears-at-tid
Confirms above FT report: lawyer appeared at TID instead of AG.
FT – “AG tells IGP to conclude probe into 40 investigation files” (June 2020)
AG instructs IGP to complete investigations into 40 separate probe files.
Files were returned as incomplete or insufficient for prosecution.
Shows that the AG was actively involved in legal oversight before making the May 2021 “grand conspiracy” statement.
Island.lk – “Easter Sunday carnage and conspiracies” (2023)
https://island.lk/easter-sunday-carnage-and-conspiracies/
Highlights that public debate exists about conspiracies surrounding Easter attacks.
Notes government initiated further inquiries into conspiracy claims.
Shows that clarity and transparency on such statements are demanded by the public and institutions.
FT – Interim order preventing TID statement recording
Court issued interim order preventing TID from recording a statement from former AG.
Disciplinary action against DSG Azad and State Counsel Malik Aziz
AG’s coordinating officer pleads for legal representation
https://island.lk/ags-coordinating-officer-pleads-for-legal-representation/
Complaints against Senior State Counsel Malik Aziz
https://www.facebook.com/reel/525458128197973
The Attorney General’s Department submitted documents to the public service commission, pertaining to its State Counsel Malik Azeez and Deputy Solicitor General Azard Navavi for disciplinary action.
