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● TRACKER Updated 3d ago · 56 sources tracked

Sri Lanka Convicts 15 in Easter 2019 Bomb Attacks

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) told the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court that retired Major General Suresh Salley, former Director of the State Intelligence Service, orchestrated the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Salley is currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The CID claims Salley acted with the indirect involvement of three other individuals. This development follows previous convictions of 15 people, including a recent 60-year sentence for Gafur Mama and Abu Hadeep for procuring explosives and a T-56 rifle.

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  • ✓ The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) told the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court that retired Major General Suresh Salley, former Director of the State Intelligence Service, orchestrated the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
  • ✓ Salley is currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
  • ✓ The CID claims Salley acted with the indirect involvement of three other individuals.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 56 independent reporting domains (70% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The CID has formally alleged in court that former intelligence chief Suresh Salley planned the attacks.

Live updates

  1. CID Alleges Former Intelligence Chief Orchestrated Easter Attacks

    The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) told the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court that retired Major General Suresh Salley, former Director of the State Intelligence Service, orchestrated the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Salley is currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The CID claims Salley acted with the indirect involvement of three other individuals. This development follows previous convictions of 15 people, including a recent 60-year sentence for Gafur Mama and Abu Hadeep for procuring explosives and a T-56 rifle.

    Why it matters

    The 2019 bombings were a series of coordinated attacks across Sri Lanka. Legal proceedings continue to identify both the executors and the architects of the plot. Current investigations focus on potential high-level state intelligence failure or complicity.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Former intelligence chief Suresh Salley orchestrated the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks with indirect involvement from three others.
    • Retired Major General Suresh Salley is currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

    What to watch next

    • Court rulings on the CID allegations against Suresh Salley
    • Identification of the three individuals allegedly involved with Salley
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. www.newsfirst.lk — CID Reveals Explosive New Claims Linking Ex‑Intelligence ...
    2. www.homepage.lk — පාස්කු ත්‍රස්ත ප්‍රහාරය සලේගෙ සැලසුමක් – අසාද් මවුලානා සමග ...
    confidence 70%

  2. Sri Lanka Court Sentences Easter Sunday Defendant to 60 Years

    A special three-judge High Court in Colombo has sentenced a 63-year-old defendant known as Gafur Mama and Abu Hadeep to 60 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court convicted the defendant for collecting explosives and a T-56 assault rifle linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks. This sentencing adds to previous legal actions where Sri Lankan courts convicted 15 individuals, including multiple 12-year prison sentences for defendants such as Nowfer Moulavi for terrorist activities tied to the bombings. Legal proceedings and multiple cases regarding the coordinated attacks remain ongoing in the country.

    Why it matters

    The 2019 Easter Sunday bombings left a lasting security crisis in Sri Lanka, prompting extensive counter-terrorism investigations and judicial trials. Special High Courts were established to handle the complex network of conspirators, weapons suppliers, and ideologues involved in the attacks. Tracking these individual prosecutions provides insight into how the judiciary is dismantling the logistics behind the explosive plot.

    What is confirmed

    • Sri Lankan courts previously convicted 15 individuals for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks.
    • Nowfer Moulavi received multiple 12-year prison sentences for involvement in terrorist activities linked to the Easter Sunday bombings.

    Still unconfirmed

    • A special three-judge High Court in Colombo sentenced a 63-year-old defendant, known as Gafur Mama and Abu Hadeep, to 60 years of rigorous imprisonment for collecting explosives and a T-56 assault rifle.

    What to watch next

    • Resolution of the remaining pending cases tied to the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks.
    • Further rulings from the special three-judge High Court in Colombo regarding co-conspirators.
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. www.colombotelegraph.com — The Demon Season
    2. slguardian.org — Sri Lankan Court Sentences Easter Attack Explosives Case ...
    confidence 90%

  3. Sri Lanka Convicts 15 in Easter 2019 Bomb Attacks

    Sri Lankan courts have convicted 15 individuals for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks. The convictions include multiple 12-year prison sentences for defendants such as Nowfer Moulavi for their involvement in terrorist activities linked to the attacks. The legal proceedings are ongoing with multiple cases still pending.

    Why it matters

    The 2019 Easter Sunday bombings resulted in significant loss of life and injuries in Sri Lanka. The attacks targeted hotels and churches, prompting a large-scale investigation and subsequent convictions. The legal process continues to unfold with new sentences being handed down.

    What is confirmed

    • Nowfer Moulavi was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a 2018 firearms and explosives conspiracy linked to extremists.
    • Two defendants linked to Sri Lanka’s 2019 Easter Sunday attacks were sentenced to 12 years in prison for operating a terrorist training camp and stockpiling explosives.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Three individuals imprisoned for the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings allege that the true masterminds behind the coordinated attacks remain at large.

    What to watch next

    • Further sentencing of individuals involved in the Easter Sunday bomb attacks
    • Investigation into allegations of additional conspirators
    • Legal battles surrounding the devastating hotel and church blasts
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.sri-online.org — 2027 Annual Scientific Meeting | SRI 2027 Annual Meeting
    2. www.lankanewspapers.com — Easter Sunday Convict Nowfer Moulavi Handed Second 12-Year ...
    3. www.homepage.lk — Another 12-year prison sentence for Easter attacks convict ...
    4. www.newswire.lk — Another 12-year prison sentence for Easter attacks convict ...
    5. www.homepage.lk — වනාතවිල්ලුව ත්‍රස්ත පුහුණු කඳවුරු නඩුව: නවුෆර් මව්ලවි වරද ...
    confidence 70%

  4. Sri Lanka CID Probes Easter Bomb Convicts' Claims

    Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department has opened a new inquiry into statements from three individuals imprisoned for the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The convicts allege that the true masterminds behind the coordinated attacks remain at large. Authorities presented the development before the Fort Magistrate's Court while the suspects were brought under heavy security by prison officials and the Special Task Force. The investigation examines whether additional conspirators escaped initial legal action as legal battles surrounding the devastating hotel and church blasts continue.

    Why it matters

    Fifteen individuals previously received prison sentences ranging from 200 to 260 years from a High Court Trial-at-Bar for managing explosives, running training camps, and establishing safe houses. These convicts are currently appealing their long sentences at the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sought Supreme Court protection from arrest related to the security failures.

    What is confirmed

    • The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into claims made by three individuals convicted in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.
    • The CID reported to the Fort Magistrate's Court that the three convicts claim the real culprits remain at large.
    • Suspects were produced in court amid heavy protection from prison authorities and the Special Task Force.

    What to watch next

    • Further findings or reports submitted by the CID to the Fort Magistrate's Court regarding the identity of the alleged masterminds.
    • Any potential legal actions or charges brought against newly implicated individuals based on the convicts' statements.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.lankanewspapers.com — CID Opens Probe Into Convicted Easter Bombers' Claims That ...
    2. www.krtvlankanvoice.lk — வனாத்தவில்லு லெக்டோவத்த வெடிபொருள் விவகாரம்: உயிர்த்த ஞாயிறு ...
    3. frontpage.lk — Easter Attacks: CID probes claims by three convicts that ...
    4. colombotribune.com — Easter attacks: CID probes convicts’ claim real culprits are ...
    confidence 100%

  5. 15 Convicts Appeal Prison Sentences for 2019 Easter Sunday Bombings

    Fifteen individuals convicted for the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings have appealed their prison sentences at the Supreme Court. A High Court Trial-at-Bar previously sentenced the group to terms between 200 and 260 years for managing explosives, running training camps, and establishing safe houses. While the convicts challenge their verdicts, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sought Supreme Court protection from arrest. The coordinated attacks targeted multiple luxury hotels and three churches, causing significant loss of life and exposing systemic intelligence failures within the national security architecture.

    Why it matters

    The 2019 attacks killed between 260 and 279 people. The legal proceedings aim to establish accountability for both the perpetrators and the government officials in power during the security lapse.

    What is confirmed

    • The 2019 Easter Sunday bombings targeted three churches and multiple luxury hotels.
    • Fifteen individuals received prison sentences between 200 and 260 years from a High Court Trial-at-Bar.
    • Convicts were found guilty of running training camps, establishing safe houses, and managing explosives.
    • Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has asked the Supreme Court for protection from arrest.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Easter Sunday attacks killed more than 260 people.
    • Intelligence warnings were of little value due to weaknesses in the security architecture.

    What to watch next

    • Supreme Court ruling on the 15 appeals
    • Supreme Court decision regarding Gotabaya Rajapaksa's request for protection from arrest
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. explore.ghost.org — Jaffna Monitor - Ghost Explore
    2. lexanteinternet.blogspot.com — Lex Anteinternet: Nelson Miles
    3. bharatshakti.in — Security Reset: Future of Sri Lanka’s Security Architecture
    4. www.lankanewspapers.com — Giving Voice to the Silenced: A Family's Journey Through the ...
    5. www.lankatalks.com — The festivity of Easter – LankaTalks
    confidence 90%

  6. Sri Lanka Easter Bombing Convicts Appeal Sentences

    Fifteen individuals convicted for their involvement in the Easter Sunday terror attacks have filed appeals at the Supreme Court against their prison sentences. The legal challenges follow a High Court Trial-at-Bar verdict that handed down prison terms between 200 and 260 years after finding the defendants guilty of establishing safe houses, running training camps, and managing explosives. Meanwhile, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has approached the Supreme Court to seek protection from arrest, deepening ongoing legal scrutiny regarding accountability for the 2019 attacks that killed 279 people across three churches and multiple luxury hotels.

    Why it matters

    The 2019 Easter Sunday coordinated suicide bombings targeted three churches and luxury hotels in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa, resulting in 279 deaths including 45 foreigners. The tragedy generated widespread conspiracy theories and intense public pressure for accountability. Recent judicial actions, including the high-profile convictions and subsequent appeals, widen the legal scope surrounding the worst terrorist attack in recent Sri Lankan history.

    What is confirmed

    • Fifteen individuals convicted in connection with the Easter Sunday terror attacks filed appeals before the Supreme Court.
    • Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa approached the Supreme Court to challenge a Court of Appeal decision dismissing his writ petition seeking protection from arrest.

    What to watch next

    • Supreme Court decisions on the convicts' appeals against their lengthy prison sentences
    • Supreme Court rulings regarding Gotabaya Rajapaksa's petition for protection from arrest
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. pulseline.lk — Easter attacks convicts to challenge lengthy sentences in ...
    2. www.indiatoday.in — Gotabaya Rajapaksa Easter Sunday bombings case: Supreme Court ...
    3. thenationalpulse.com — Court Convicts 15 in Connection with Easter Church Bombings.
    4. www.ft.lk — Easter bombings conspiracy theories and importance of Azad ...
    5. asianmirror.lk — Gotabaya Appeals SC Ruling on Arrest Over Easter Sunday Attacks
    confidence 90%

  7. Sri Lanka Convicts 15 in 2019 Easter Bomb Attacks

    A High Court Trial-at-Bar in Sri Lanka convicted 15 of 24 defendants for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, sentencing them to imprisonment terms between 200 and 260 years. The court found these individuals helped establish a network of safe houses, training camps, and handled explosives evidence to support the attacks. The bombings, which targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, resulted in 279 deaths, including 45 foreigners.

    Why it matters

    The 2019 Easter Sunday bombings were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred on April 21, 2019, in Sri Lanka. The attacks were carried out by a group of suicide bombers affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). The bombings resulted in the deaths of 279 people, including 45 foreigners, and injured hundreds more. The investigation into the attacks is ongoing, with several individuals still facing trial.

    What is confirmed

    • 15 of 24 defendants were convicted for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
    • The convicts were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment terms between 200 and 260 years.
    • The bombings resulted in 279 deaths, including 45 foreigners.
    • Three convicts attended workshops led by Zahran Hashim, the suicide bomber leader, to spread Islamic State (ISIS) ideology.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the Court of Appeal's decision to dismiss his writ application seeking to prevent his arrest over the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.

    What to watch next

    • The outcome of Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's appeal in the Supreme Court
    • The trial of the remaining 9 defendants
    • Further investigations into the roles of other individuals involved in the bombings
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. www.thetablet.co.uk — News Briefing: Church in the World - The Tablet
    2. www.sundaytimes.lk — Former IGP Pujith Jayasundara sentenced to death
    3. english.newsfirst.lk — Q&A | Suresh Salley & Conspiracy Claims
    4. www.dailymirror.lk — Gotabaya appeals against dismissal of Easter Sunday arrest ...
    5. lexanteinternet.blogspot.com — Lex Anteinternet: October 2026
    6. www.srimgt.com — SRI Management
    7. abcdstudy.org — SRI International - ABCD Study
    8. finance.yahoo.com — Stoneridge, Inc. (SRI) Stock Price, News, Quote & History - Yahoo...
    confidence 90%

  8. Sri Lanka Jails 15 Men for 2019 Easter Sunday Bombings

    A High Court Trial-at-Bar convicted 15 of 24 defendants for the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, sentencing them to rigorous imprisonment terms between 200 and 260 years. The court found these individuals helped establish a network of safe houses, training camps, and explosives evidence to support the attacks. Three convicts attended workshops led by Zahran Hashim, the suicide bomber leader, to spread Islamic State (ISIS) ideology. The attacks targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, resulting in 279 deaths, including 45 foreigners.

    Why it matters

    The 2019 attacks caused nearly 600 injuries and targeted key religious and tourist sites. The convictions follow years of legal proceedings to identify the organizers behind the suicide bombers. The case remains a point of national tension regarding security failures and political accountability.

    What is confirmed

    • A High Court Trial-at-Bar convicted 15 men out of 24 charged for the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
    • The 15 convicted men received prison sentences ranging from 200 to 260 years.
    • Suicide bombers targeted three churches and three luxury hotels.
    • The attacks killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners.
    • Zahran Hashim led the suicide bombers and conducted workshops to spread ISIS ideology.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Naufer, known as Naufar Moulavi, is at the center of the alleged network according to the judgment.
    • The Catholic Church claims there are alleged political links to the bombings.

    What to watch next

    • Outcome of the arrest proceedings involving former President Rajapaksa.
    • Legal status of the remaining 9 defendants who were not convicted.
    Sources used for this update (14)
    1. www.sundaytimes.lk — Easter Sunday attack judgment exposes Zahran’s terror plot and deadly ideology
    2. slguardian.org — What Sri Lanka’s Easter Judgment Finally Reveals
    3. www.christianpost.com — 15 men sentenced for deadly Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings
    4. vom.com.au — SRI LANKA: Fifteen Men Sentenced Over Easter Sunday Bombing
    5. www.jaffnamonitor.com — What the Court Found: How 15 Men Helped Pave the Way for Sri ...
    6. www.themorning.lk — Let the courts mete out justice | The Morning
    7. www.opendoors.org.au — Sri Lanka: Gunmen Behind 2019 Easter Sunday Massacre Jailed
    8. themorningtelegraph.com — The Anatomy of a Conspiracy: How Fifteen Men Paved the Way ...
    9. slguardian.org — Exclusive: Inside Sri Lanka’s Easter Plot — Read the Full TAB ...
    10. globalwitnessmonitor.com — Sri Lanka Easter Bombing Convictions Prompt Calls for ...
    11. www.examiner.org.hk — Sri Lankan Church seeks full truth after Easter bombing ...
    12. www.christianitydaily.com — World News | Sri Lanka Sentences 15 Men to Over 200 Years ...
    confidence 95%

  9. Sri Lanka Convicts 15 in 2019 Easter Bomb Attacks

    A Sri Lankan court has convicted 15 men for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, handing them life sentences. The attacks killed 260-279 people, including two Australians. The convictions were for murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism.

    Why it matters

    The Easter Sunday bombings were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred on April 21, 2019, in Sri Lanka. The attacks targeted churches and hotels, resulting in a significant loss of life. The convictions mark a significant development in the country's efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

    What is confirmed

    • 15 men were convicted for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka.
    • The bombings killed 260-279 people.
    • The defendants received life sentences.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Some reports specify terms of 220 years or hundreds of years in prison for the convicted individuals.

    What to watch next

    • Further developments in the cases of the remaining 9 defendants
    • Potential appeals of the convictions and sentences
    • Investigations into intelligence warnings and potential failures by senior officials
    Sources used for this update (10)
    1. www.sri.com — SRI
    2. srienlinea.sri.gob.ec — SRI en Línea - Inicio
    3. www.theepochtimes.com — Terrorists Jailed in Sri Lanka for Easter Sunday Bombings in 2019 | The Epoch Times
    4. www.dailyrecord.co.uk — Bombers who killed three of Scotland's richest man's children in Sri Lanka jailed - Daily Record
    5. www.colombotelegraph.com — Day Of Judgements & Political Fallouts - Colombo Telegraph
    6. www.outlookindia.com — Sri Lanka's 2019 Easter Bombings: A Verdict On The Bombers, Silence On The Warnings | Outlook India
    7. www.sriperformance.com — SRI Performance | Industrial Supplies and Performance Parts
    8. en.wikipedia.org — SRI International - Wikipedia
    9. www.sri.com — About SRI International: History, Leadership, and Values
    10. sri-hq.com — Strategic Resources, Inc. - Home
    confidence 80%

  10. Sri Lanka Convicts 15 Men for 2019 Easter Bombings

    A Sri Lankan court has convicted 15 men for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The defendants received life sentences, with some reports specifying terms of 220 years or hundreds of years in prison. The coordinated attacks killed between 260 and 279 people, including two Australians. While most sources report 15 convictions, Al Jazeera and The Hindu report that 14 individuals were convicted.

    Why it matters

    The 2019 bombings targeted churches and hotels across the country during Easter celebrations. These attacks represented a major security failure and a significant act of terrorism in Sri Lanka. The legal proceedings aim to provide accountability for the hundreds of victims.

    What is confirmed

    • A Sri Lankan court convicted 15 men for the 2019 Easter bombings.
    • The convicted men were sentenced to life in prison.
    • The 2019 bombings killed more than 260 people.
    • Two Australians died in the bombing attacks.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The bombings killed 279 people.
    • The convicts were sentenced to 220 years in prison.
    • Only 14 people were convicted of the attacks.

    What to watch next

    • Appeals filed by the convicted individuals
    • Further investigations into the planners of the attacks
    Sources used for this update (10)
    1. Al Jazeera — Sri Lanka court convicts 14 over deadly Easter bombings
    2. BBC — Sri Lanka Easter attacks: Court finds 15 guilty over deadly bombings
    3. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Sri Lanka convicts 15 men over deadly bombing that killed two Australians
    4. The New York Times — Sri Lanka Convicts 15 in Easter 2019 Bomb Attacks
    5. Sky News — Fifteen jailed for life over involvement in Sri Lanka bombings that killed more than 260
    6. theguardian.com — Sri Lanka Easter bombings: 15 sentenced to hundreds of years in prison each over deadly terror attacks
    7. NDTV — 15 Men Jailed For 220 Years Over 2019 Lanka Bombings That Killed 279
    8. The Hindu — Easter Sunday blasts case: Sri Lanka High Court convicts 14
    9. NBC News — Sri Lankan court sentences 15 men to life in prison for roles in deadly 2019 Easter bombings
    10. dw.com — Sri Lanka: 15 men jailed for life in 2019 Easter bombings
    confidence 80%
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