15 found guilty in Sri Lanka Easter Sunday attacks trial

15 of the 24 accused standing trial over Sri Lanka’s 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks were found guilty by the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar on Tuesday.

The remaining nine accused were acquitted and ordered to be released.

Sentences for the 15 convicted defendants are expected to be announced later on Tuesday.

The case was filed against the 24 accused, including Naufar Mawlawi, over more than 23,270 charges, including conspiracy, aiding and abetting, collecting arms and ammunition, and attempted murder under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The accused also faced allegations over links to the extremist group responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks.

The attacks took place on April 21, 2019, when coordinated suicide bombings targeted three churches and three hotels in several parts of Sri Lanka. More than 260 people were killed, including foreign nationals, while over 500 others were injured.

Following the attacks, several investigations were conducted, and

the Attorney General subsequently filed indictments against 24 suspects and sought the appointment of a Trial-at-Bar to hear the case.

A total of 2,309 prosecution witnesses testified during the trial.

The recording of evidence for both the prosecution and defence concluded on Aug. 24, 2026, following daily hearings.

Special security measures were deployed at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex on Tuesday ahead of the judgment, with several police teams assigned to strengthen security at the premises.