Sri Lanka Easter bombings: 15 sentenced to hundreds of years in prison each over deadly terror attacks
A Sri Lankan high court has sentenced 15 men to prison terms ranging from 200 to 260 years for their involvement in the 2019 Easter bombings that killed 267 people. The verdict follows a nearly five-year trial in which the defendants were convicted of conspiracy and aiding the IS-inspired attacks on churches and hotels. The court also ordered the confiscation of the defendants' property, while nine other accused were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
- ▪The 2019 Easter bombings targeted three churches and three hotels, resulting in 267 deaths and nearly 600 injuries.
- ▪Sentences for the 15 convicted men ranged from 200 to 260 years, effectively ensuring they will spend the rest of their lives in prison.
- ▪Nine defendants were freed after the court found the charges against them unproven, while one suspect died before trial.
- ▪A video left by the attackers showed them pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and expressing intent to make Sri Lanka an Islamic nation.
- ▪A parliamentary committee previously determined that police and intelligence officials failed to act on repeated warnings about the impending attacks.
3 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 12 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 1 centre.
- ▪ Sri Lanka Convicts 15 in Easter 2019 Bomb Attacks — NYT — World
- ▪ Sri Lanka court convicts 15 men over deadly Easter Sunday bombings — BBC News — World
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/23/sri-lanka-easter-bombings-15-sentenced-prison-terror-attacks |
| Publication time | Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:43:00 GMT |
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Catholic nuns carry portraits of the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attack through Colombo, Sri Lanka, in April 2025. Fifteen people have been sentenced over the series of terror attacks. Photograph: Chamila Karunarathne/EPAView image in fullscreenCatholic nuns carry portraits of the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attack through Colombo, Sri Lanka, in April 2025. Fifteen people have been sentenced over the series of terror attacks. Photograph: Chamila Karunarathne/EPASri LankaSri Lanka Easter bombings: 15 sentenced to hundreds of years in prison each over deadly terror attacksIslamic State-inspired bombings of churches and hotels in 2019 was one of the country’s worst ever attacksAssociated PressTue 22 Sep 2026 20.43 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA court in Sri…
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