Sri Lanka Court Convicts 14 in Easter Sunday Bombings

A Sri Lankan court has convicted 14 men involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people. The three-judge panel found the defendants guilty of charges including murder, terrorism conspiracy, and handling weapons and explosives under anti-terrorism laws. Nine others were acquitted.

The presiding judge announced the verdicts on September 22, 2026, and scheduled sentencing for later that day. The men were accused of helping suicide bombers who attacked three hotels and three churches on April 21, 2019. Some defendants may face the death penalty, though Sri Lanka hasn’t executed anyone since 1976.

Among those convicted was Mohamed Naufar, identified as a key leader who supported the suicide squad. Three of the defendants also faced U.S. terrorism charges linked to the attacks. The bombings killed five Americans, including a Commerce Department employee, and others from 13 countries.

The trial has raised questions about possible links between the Sri Lankan government and those behind the attacks. A former intelligence chief is in custody, accused of orchestrating the bombings, though he denies involvement. Investigators believe some officials may have worked with Islamist extremists to create a security threat, boosting support for then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The case has been closely watched internationally, but no official international inquiry was possible, according to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.