Zahran Hashim a Pawn & a different force responsible for 2019 April Attacks; Rauff Hakeem

In his three-hour-long testimony, Rauff Hakeem said the ISIS banner was used merely for namesake, and Zaharan as well as his group were hired as pawns to carry out the attacks by this force.

‘’This is a one-off incident. This was meant to happen once and it will not happen again”, the witness said

After this statement, the Commissioners posed a question to Hakeem and asked him to reveal the ‘force’ behind the attack and responding to the commissioners the witness said,” I can name them without the presence of the media”.

After providing a statement to the Police Unit of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, Mujibur Rahuman said the Government must take measures to repatriate or extradite one of the key suspects in the 2019 April 21st Attacks 'Sara' who is believed to have fled to India.

In July 2020, a witness told the Presidential Commission of Inquiry Pulasthini Rajendran alias Sarah, the wife of Atchchi Muhammadu Muhammadu Hastun, who detonated the suicide bomb at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, had fled to India by sea in September of 2019.

On the 23rd of July 2020 a witness testifying at the Presidential Commission probing the April 21st attacks said, someone from the inner circle of Zaharan Hashim leaked certain intelligence to Indian Intelligence service adding the person could be "Sarah Jasmine" or Pulasthini, who is now believed to have fled to India.

Samagi Jana Balavegaya lawmaker Mujibur Rahuman said if the woman identified as 'Sarah' can be brought back to Sri Lanka, the truth can be uncovered and the mastermind of the attacks would be exposed.

He urged the Sri Lankan Government to discuss with the Indian Government to repatriate or extradite her.

On Monday (07), the mother of Pulasthini Rajendran alias Sarah appeared at the Kalmunai Magistrate's Court for a case filed with regard to the explosions which took place at a house in Sainthamaruthu, in the Eastern Province, days after the 2019 April 21st Terror Attacks.

The Magistrate ordered for samples to be obtained from the woman and to call for a DNA report on Pulasthini Rajendran alias Sarah.

Court-ordered for Sarah's mother to be escorted to Colombo to carry out the tests.

Police Spokesperson Jaliya Senaratne speaking to News 1st said Sri Lanka Police followed the court order and the test was carried out today.

The Government faction called on Rauff Hakeem to expose the 'Force' responsible for the 2019 April 21st Attacks.

Cabinet Spokesperson & Minister, Rauff Hakeem said concealing evidence is an offense and therefore the SLMC Leader must reveal the details to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry.