Full Breakdown
Sri Lanka’s High Court Convicts 15 Over 2019 Easter Bombings
By Drooid · · How we work
The Verdict and Charges
A three-judge High Court bench in Colombo found 15 of the 24 men charged with involvement in the April 21, 2019 Easter Sunday bombings guilty. Fourteen were convicted on all counts—including murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism and possession of firearms and explosives under the Prevention of Terrorism Act—while a fifteenth was found guilty of only some charges. Nine defendants were acquitted. The court adjourned the session before sentencing; judges indicated that sentencing will be determined later. All defendants are members of Sri Lanka’s Muslim minority.
Background and Context
On April 21, 2019 coordinated suicide bombings struck three luxury hotels and three churches, killing hundreds and wounding roughly 500. The attacks were inspired by the Islamic State group and were the deadliest civilian assaults since the end of the civil war in 2009. Investigators later blamed a home-grown Islamist extremist network and cited a “major intelligence lapse,” noting that an Indian tip-off was not properly shared with Sri Lankan authorities. In 2023 the Supreme Court ordered former president Maithripala Sirisena to pay compensation to victims, finding him responsible for security failures that preceded the bombings.
Key Figures
- Naufer Moulavi – alleged mastermind.
- Mohamed Naufar – identified as the ringleader of the eight-member bomb squad.
- Suresh Sallay – former intelligence chief arrested in February; denies accusations.
- Gotabaya Rajapaksa – former president who denied involvement and sought court protection.
- Maithripala Sirisena – former president ordered to compensate victims.
- Teresa Fernando – defence ministry secretary who praised the verdict.
Timeline
- April 21, 2019 – Coordinated bombings at three hotels and three churches.
- 2021 – Authorities filed 23,270 charges against 24 suspects.
- 2023 – Supreme Court orders compensation from Sirisena; two senior officials sentenced to death for negligence.
- February 2024 – Former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay arrested.
- Tuesday, 2026 – High Court delivers verdict convicting 15 men.
Data and Statistics
- Reported death tolls range from “more than 260” to 279, with foreign fatalities reported as 42, 45, or “more than 40.”
- The prosecution presented over 2,300 witnesses and 2,076 exhibits, including explosives and firearms.
- 23,270 charges were filed in 2021, the highest number ever in a single Sri Lankan case.
Official Statements & Responses
The government says the convictions reflect the evidence presented. Former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, who remains in custody, has denied any role in planning the attacks. Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa also denied the allegations and has asked the court to block any potential arrest. The Defence Ministry has rejected claims that state actors were involved. The Catholic Church welcomed the verdict, with priest Jude Fernando stating, “Finally, we have justice.”
Criticism & Opposition
The Catholic Church has asserted, without providing evidence, that those identified as perpetrators are not the true masterminds and that a larger conspiracy lies behind the bombings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Verbatim Quotes
- “It has taken a long time to get to this point.” — Teresa Fernando, defence ministry secretary
What’s Next
The High Court will schedule sentencing, which could include life imprisonment or, in rare cases, the death penalty—though Sri Lanka has not carried out executions since 1976, and capital sentences are typically commuted to life terms.