1.0 Introduction
On April 21, 2019, Sri Lanka experienced one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in its history when coordinated suicide bombings targeted churches and luxury hotels during Easter Sunday services. This report presents a structured overview of the attack’s background, key actors, investigative outcomes, political responses, and the National People's Power (NPP) government’s actions and commitments as of 2025.
2.0 Updated Background
In a significant development, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced during a public meeting in Deiyandara that:
“Investigations into the Easter Sunday bombings are progressing rapidly, and several responsible individuals will be exposed before Easter this year.”
He emphasized that justice will be served, reiterating his government’s unwavering commitment to uncovering the full truth behind the attacks and holding all perpetrators accountable. The statement has renewed hope among victims’ families and civil society that real accountability may finally be within reach.
3.0 Overview of the Attacks
3.1 Key Locations Targeted
- St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade, Colombo
- St. Sebastian’s Church, Negombo
- Zion Church, Batticaloa
- Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo
- Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo
- Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo
3.2 Casualties
- Over 260 people killed
- More than 500 injured
- Victims included dozens of foreigners and Sri Lankan citizens across religious lines
4.0 Perpetrators and Networks
4.1 Local Group
- National Thowheed Jama’ath (NTJ), led by extremist Zahran Hashim
- Known for radical Islamist preaching prior to the attack
4.2 International Links
- The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility
- Evidence suggests ideological influence, but operational independence by NTJ is debated
5.0 Intelligence Failures and Political Context
- Foreign intelligence, notably from India, warned Sri Lanka 17 days before the attack.
- Top-level disunity between President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe resulted in lack of coordination.
- The failure to act on warnings and surveillance intelligence remains a core issue.
6.0 Investigations and Legal Actions
6.1 Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI)
- Established in 2019 to investigate the attack
- Found serious negligence on the part of:
- President Sirisena
- Intelligence Chief Nilantha Jayawardena
- Senior Police and Defense officials
6.2 Outcomes
- Recommendations for criminal prosecution and reforms in intelligence coordination
- Partial release of the PCoI report caused public distrust
- No major convictions as of early 2025
7.0 Political Promises and Responses
|
Political Party / Figure |
Promise Made |
Outcome |
|
Gotabaya Rajapaksa |
National security, swift justice |
No convictions; security focus increased |
|
Maithripala Sirisena |
Full truth, rejected responsibility |
Court proceedings initiated against him |
|
Sajith Premadasa (SJB) |
Independent probe, support to victims |
No significant actions in opposition |
|
Anura Kumara (NPP) |
Public accountability, justice, and depoliticization |
In progress—detailed below |
8.0 Actions by the NPP Government (As of 2025)
Since assuming office, the National People’s Power (NPP) government has made the Easter Sunday investigation a top priority. Key initiatives include:
8.1 Legal and Institutional Reforms
- Appointed an independent Special Counsel to review the entire PCoI report
- Reopened stalled legal cases against high-ranking officials
- Introduced new legislation to:
- Prevent political interference in security agencies
- Ensure parliamentary oversight of intelligence services
8.2 Transparency & Public Communication
- Full release of the unedited PCoI report to the public in 2025
- Establishment of a Truth and Accountability Panel involving:
- Victims’ families
- Civil society groups
- Religious leaders
8.3 Victim Support and Compensation
- Announced enhanced compensation packages and scholarship programs for victims’ children
- Initiated community rebuilding programs in Negombo, Batticaloa, and Colombo
8.4 International Engagement
- Requested UN Special Rapporteur assistance in oversight mechanisms
- Opened dialogue with foreign intelligence agencies to collaborate on further investigation into international links
9.0 Remaining Challenges
- Public mistrust due to past failures still exists
- Certain suspects remain outside of Sri Lankan jurisdiction
- Religious and political sensitivities continue to influence open discussion
10.0 Conclusion
The Easter Sunday attacks were not only a devastating act of terrorism but also a reflection of state dysfunction. The NPP government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is taking meaningful steps to uncover the full truth and deliver long-awaited justice. With several individuals expected to be exposed before Easter 2025, the nation may finally begin to heal from this painful chapter in its history.
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