Multiple DNA tests have failed to confirm the reported death of Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sarah Jasmin, one of the key figures linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday (9).
Delivering a statement during an adjournment debate on the Easter Sunday attacks, Minister Wijepala said: “A DNA report was requested on two occasions to confirm her death following reports that she died in a suicide bombing on 24 April 2019. On both occasions, the DNA did not match samples from her close relatives. A third DNA test, this time involving a sample from her mother, was conducted during the tenure of former Minister Sarath Weerasekara.”
He added that the way in which the samples were obtained has raised serious concerns, which are now under investigation. The CID is also looking into suspicions that she may have died in an acid attack, rather than a bombing.
The adjournment debate was moved by ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, who reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability in the continuing probe into the deadly attack that killed 274 people and injured nearly 600.
Minister Wijepala also revealed that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias ‘Pillaiyan’, had prior knowledge about the 21 April 2019 bombings. “Investigative officers have uncovered evidence that Pillaiyan was aware of the attacks beforehand. He is currently detained in connection with the abduction of a university professor, the assassination of Police officers, and the illegal use of firearms,” he said. The Minister further noted that Pillaiyan had maintained contact with intelligence officers at the time, though he refrained from disclosing further details due to the ongoing nature of investigations.
Highlighting lapses by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), the Minister pointed to a specific warning from the Taj Samudra Hotel, which was ignored. “Despite the hotel notifying SIS at 4:52 p.m. on 20 April 2019 about one of the suicide bombers, Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel, no action was taken. Jameel later detonated a bomb at the Tropical Inn in Dehiwala,” he said.
Minister Wijepala clarified a recent statement made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which had been misinterpreted in public discourse. “The President never said that the investigations were abandoned. He stated that the State is being scrutinised by the State itself in this process,” the Minister said.
Outlining the broader scope of the investigation, he said 748 suspects had been arrested, and 42 cases filed following the attacks. A Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) produced a report exceeding 67,000 pages, which has not yet been made public but is available to be tabled in Parliament if required.
According to the Minister, the probe was stalled under the previous administration but has since resumed under President Dissanayake’s leadership. “We have reinstated officers and launched a new inquiry committee. The Attorney General has also instructed a new investigation based on revelations made by Hanzeer Azad Maulana.”
He also assured Parliament that all those involved—including those suspected of directing Zahran Hashim, the ringleader—will be brought to justice. “We will not allow any form of terrorism or racism under any circumstances. New laws are being introduced and enforced to act against those who break the law.”
Wijepala criticised individuals linked to the previous government for making public statements while avoiding accountability. “Some individuals who were close to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa are now making various statements without clarifying where they were at the time. We have committed to the President that this investigation will proceed in a proper and orderly manner.”
He concluded by reaffirming that the Police, the Attorney General’s Department, and the CID are jointly pursuing all leads, and the government remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims of one of Sri Lanka’s deadliest terrorist attacks.
