The Archdiocese of Colombo has called for an investigation into a complaint filed by Namal Kumara who claimed to be a social activist, which alleges the circulation of an audio recording on social media defaming His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo.

Addressing the media on 29 December, Rev. Fr. Jude Krishantha, Media Director of the Archdiocese, condemned the complaint and accused Namal Kumara of being complicit in the events leading to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. He further claimed that Kumara’s recent actions appear to be part of a conspiracy orchestrated by a third party.

Fr. Krishantha highlighted that the audio recording in question is purportedly linked to former MP Ranjan Ramanayake and suggested that it was deliberately used to tarnish the Cardinal’s reputation. “We believe this is either Namal Kumara’s doing or the result of instructions from another party,” he said.

He also referenced the detention of former Terrorism Investigation Division Director DIG Nalaka de Silva, who was investigating the activities of Zaharan Hashim, the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday bombings. According to Fr. Krishantha, de Silva’s arrest disrupted crucial investigations, ultimately facilitating the attacks.

“Namal Kumara played a central role in this mission, and now he seems to be laying the groundwork for another conspiracy,” Fr. Krishantha alleged, adding that the Rajapaksa family could be linked to these developments.

The Archdiocese urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure justice, stressing that the allegations have caused significant damage to Cardinal Ranjith’s reputation and the sentiments of the Catholic community.