A total of 15 of the 24 accused standing trial over the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka have been found guilty by the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar.
The landmark verdict in the long-running Easter Sunday attacks case, involving Naufer Moulavi and 23 others, was delivered today (22) by the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar.
The remaining nine accused have been acquitted and ordered to be released, according to an Ada Derana reporter.
The High Court Trial-at-Bar is also scheduled to announce the sentences for the 15 accused found guilty later today.
The 24 accused were facing more than 23,270 charges in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. The charges include conspiracy, aiding and abetting, collecting arms and ammunition, and attempted murder under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
The accused also faced allegations concerning their links to the extremist group responsible for carrying out the Easter Sunday attacks.
Easter Sunday Attacks in Sri Lanka
The Easter Sunday 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 250 people were killed, including foreign nationals, while over 500 others were injured in the attacks.
The attacks prompted several investigations, including a Presidential Commission of Inquiry, a Parliamentary Select Committee inquiry, and multiple police investigations.
Following the investigations, the Attorney General filed indictments against 24 suspects and sought the appointment of a Trial-at-Bar to hear the case.
23,270 Charges and 2,309 Prosecution Witnesses
The Attorney General filed more than 23,270 charges against the 24 accused, including allegations of conspiracy, aiding and abetting, collecting arms and ammunition, and attempted murder under the PTA.
A total of 2,309 prosecution witnesses testified during the trial.
The recording of evidence for both the prosecution and defence concluded on August 24, 2026, following daily hearings.
The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar subsequently fixed September 22, 2026, for the delivery of the verdict.
Security Tightened at Hulftsdorp Courts Complex
Special security measures were deployed at the Hulftsdorp Court Complex this morning ahead of the verdict.
Several special police teams were assigned to strengthen security at the court premises as the defendants were brought before the court for the judgment.
