By Roy Denish.
Fifteen defendants have been found guilty in the Easter Sunday attacks trial, while nine others were acquitted and ordered released.
COLOMBO – Fifteen defendants have been found guilty in the long-running trial over the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, while nine others were acquitted and ordered to be released by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar.
The 24 defendants had faced more than 23,270 charges, including conspiracy, aiding and abetting, collecting arms and ammunition, and attempted murder under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Attorney General’s Department prosecutors filed indictments following extensive investigations into the coordinated bombings, with Naufer Mawlawi among those accused.
Proceedings involved a substantial body of evidence, including thousands of listed witnesses and extensive documentary material.
Security around the Aluthkade Courts Complex was tightened ahead of the verdict, with several special police units deployed as the accused were brought before court.
The judgment represents one of the most significant legal developments arising from investigations into the April 21, 2019 attacks.
On Easter Sunday that year, coordinated suicide bombings struck three churches and three luxury hotels across Sri Lanka. Hundreds of people, including foreign nationals, were killed and more than 500 others injured.
The attacks triggered wide-ranging criminal investigations as well as a Presidential Commission of Inquiry and a Parliamentary Select Committee examining the circumstances surrounding the bombings and the authorities’ response.
Further court proceedings concerning the convicted defendants include sentencing and related orders arising from the judgment.
