Colombo: Seven years after the deadly Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, the Catholic Church and victims’ families continue to demand truth, accountability, and justice, saying that progress has been made but many questions remain unanswered.
The coordinated attacks on April 21, 2019, targeted churches filled with worshippers and several hotels, killing more than 260 people and injuring hundreds. The tragedy remains one of the worst acts of violence in the country since the end of its civil war.
As the country commemorates the anniversary, Church leaders say investigations have moved forward in some areas. One major development highlighted is the arrest of a senior military official earlier this year over alleged links to the attacks. Legal proceedings are also ongoing, with a large case involving dozens of accused individuals and thousands of charges now being heard in court. Victims have begun giving testimony, marking an important stage in the process.
However, Church representatives stress that key demands are still unmet. One of the main concerns is the delay in appointing an independent special prosecutor, which they believe is necessary to ensure transparency and credibility. They also continue to call for the release of reports from previous investigations that have not yet been made public.
According to Church officials, the investigation has faced resistance from some groups, including within sections of the military. There have also been accusations that the inquiry unfairly targets certain individuals, creating tension and slowing down the process.
Despite these challenges, the Catholic Church, led by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has remained at the forefront of the campaign for justice. Nationwide prayer services and public demonstrations have been organised to honour the victims and keep attention on the need for accountability.
Church leaders say their efforts are both spiritual and civic, aimed at ensuring that the truth is fully uncovered while supporting the families affected by the tragedy. They insist that public pressure must continue so that investigations are not delayed or weakened.
Seven years on, the pain of the attacks is still deeply felt across the country. While there is some hope that the ongoing investigations may lead to answers, many believe that justice has not yet been fully achieved.
As Sri Lanka remembers the victims, the call for truth remains strong, with families and the Church united in their demand that those responsible are held accountable.