Sri Lanka High Court Sentences 15 Men to 220 Years for 2019 Easter Bombings

Key points

• 15 men were convicted of aiding and abetting suicide bombers who attacked three hotels and three churches on April 21, 2019.
• The attacks killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners, and injured over 500.
• The trial involved 23,270 charges, the most ever brought in a single case in Sri Lanka.
• Mohamed Naufar, identified as the ringleader, was among those convicted on all charges.
• The court ordered the confiscation of all property and assets of the convicts.
• Nine other defendants were acquitted, and one died in custody before the trial.

Background

The 2019 Easter Sunday bombings were the deadliest terror attack in Sri Lanka's history, killing 279 people and injuring over 500. The attacks targeted three luxury hotels and three churches during Easter services. The trial, which lasted five years, involved 25 suspects, with 23,270 charges filed. The verdict concludes the criminal prosecution directly linked to the bombings, though a separate investigation into former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay is ongoing.

How outlets are covering it

NDTV and BBC report that 15 men were sentenced to 220 years in prison, while The Guardian notes that the attacks were inspired by Islamic State. All sources agree that the verdict concludes a five-year trial involving 25 suspects, with nine acquitted. NDTV and The Guardian highlight the confiscation of assets, while BBC notes the tight security at the courthouse. All sources mention the ongoing investigation into former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, accused of orchestrating the attacks.

Why it matters

The verdict brings some closure to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people and injured over 500. The trial, which lasted five years, involved 23,270 charges, the most ever brought in a single case in Sri Lanka. The verdict also highlights the ongoing investigation into former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, accused of orchestrating the attacks, and the alleged state involvement in the bombings.

What to watch

The court session was adjourned before sentencing, and the next steps are unclear. The ongoing investigation into former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay is expected to continue, and the Rajapaksa family has denied any involvement in the attacks. The verdict may also lead to further legal proceedings and investigations into the intelligence failures that led to the bombings.