15 Found Guilty, 9 Acquitted in Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday Attacks Case
Fifteen of the 24 accused standing trial over Sri Lanka’s 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks have been found guilty by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar.
The landmark verdict in the long-running case involving Naufer Moulavi and 23 others was delivered today (22). The remaining nine accused were acquitted and ordered to be released.
The court is scheduled to announce the sentences for the 15 convicted accused later today.
The 24 accused faced more than 23,270 charges in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, including conspiracy, aiding and abetting, collecting arms and ammunition, and attempted murder under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The prosecution also alleged links between the accused and the extremist group responsible for the attacks.
Easter Sunday Attacks
The attacks took place on April 21, 2019, when coordinated suicide bombings targeted three churches and three hotels in several parts of Sri Lanka.
More than 350 people, including foreign nationals, were killed, while over 500 others were injured.
The attacks led to several investigations, including a Presidential Commission of Inquiry, a Parliamentary Select Committee inquiry and multiple police investigations.
Following these investigations, the Attorney General filed indictments against 24 suspects and sought the appointment of a Trial-at-Bar to hear the case.
More Than 23,270 Charges
The prosecution presented evidence from 2,309 witnesses during the trial, which involved more than 23,270 charges against the accused.
The recording of prosecution and defence evidence concluded on August 24, 2026, after daily hearings. The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar subsequently fixed September 22 for the delivery of its verdict.
Security Tightened at Courts Complex
Security was heightened at the Hulftsdorp Courts Complex this morning ahead of the verdict.
Several special police teams were deployed around the court premises as the accused were brought before the court for the judgment.