Summary of the Easter Sunday Bombings Committee Inquiry Report (A N J De Alwis report)

 

The Easter Sunday bombings of April 21, 2019, were among the deadliest terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka’s history, carried out by National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) in coordination with ISIS. The Committee of Inquiry, established in June 2024, examined systemic failures in intelligence coordination and investigative processes that allowed the attacks to occur.

Key Findings

1. Failures in Intelligence Coordination

• State Intelligence Service (SIS): Received critical warnings from Indian intelligence but failed to disseminate or act decisively.
• Chief of National Intelligence (CNI): Neglected urgent intelligence alerts, delaying responses.
• CID and Police: Did not act on intelligence to monitor or arrest suspects, leaving high-risk targets unprotected.

2. Misattribution of the Vavunathivu Killings

• Both DMI and CID initially linked the 2018 killings to the LTTE. This misjudgment delayed the identification of NTJ operatives, allowing them to plan the Easter attacks undetected.

3. Systemic Communication Failures

A critical breakdown in sharing intelligence among SIS, CID, and police led to inadequate security measures and the inability to thwart the attacks.

Accountability and Recommendations

Key Officials Recommended for Prosecution

1. Nilantha Jayawardena (SIS): Negligence in handling and sharing intelligence.
2. Nandana Mendis (CNI): Failed to coordinate responses effectively.
3. Hemasiri Fernando (Defense Secretary): Did not escalate intelligence to key decision-makers.
4. Pujith Jayasundara (IGP): Lacked decisive action despite warnings.
5. Additional senior officers across police and intelligence were cited for negligence.

Reforms Suggested

1. Overhaul Intelligence Protocols: Establish clear guidelines for intelligence sharing and response.
2. Strengthen National Security Policy: Introduce a coordinated national framework for threat management.
3. Improve Training: Regular joint drills for law enforcement and military to prepare for crises.
4. Modernize Investigative Processes: Reduce reliance on local police for sensitive cases and ensure thorough follow-ups.

Conclusion

The failures leading to the Easter Sunday bombings highlight urgent systemic weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s intelligence and security structures. By implementing the Committee’s recommendations, the government aims to prevent such devastating lapses in the future.