S.Douglas Logu

The sixth anniversary of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, which occurred on April 21, 2019, was commemorated nationwide on April 21, 2025. Despite the passage of six years, justice remains elusive for the victims, and those responsible for the attacks have yet to be held accountable. 

A special service and procession were held at St. Anthony’s Church in Colombo, led by Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, to honour the victims. The Apostolic Nuncio of Sri Lanka, Brian Udaigwe, and ambassadors from various countries attended the memorial event. At 8:45 a.m. Sri Lankan time, bells rang in Catholic churches across the country, followed by a two-minute silence. 

The coordinated attacks targeted Catholic churches and tourist resorts, claiming 269 lives and injuring many more. Former President Nandasena Gotabaya Rajapaksa leveraged the tragedy as a security issue to bolster his 2019 presidential campaign. Although several politicians and businessmen were charged in connection with the attacks, investigations slowed significantly after Rajapaksa assumed office. 

Former Member of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka alleged that the attacks were exploited for political gain. He also accused the Presidential Commission of omitting crucial evidence he had provided. While many hoped for impartial investigations under current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, progress has been limited. 

On April 21, 2025, President Dissanayake met with victims’ families at St. Sebastian’s Church in Colombo, promising justice and laying a wreath at the memorial. Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith reiterated his appeal to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, emphasizing the need for accountability. He expressed confidence in President Dissanayake’s integrity and commitment to justice. 

The Vatican recognized 167 victims of the 2019 bombings as “heroes of faith,” honouring Catholic worshippers who perished during mass. Cardinal Ranjith has consistently urged previous administrations to conduct fair investigations and criticized their protective measures for alleged masterminds behind the attacks. 

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “Ongoing efforts to investigate the attacks and uncover all truths without obstruction or delay remain a top priority. Accountability, transparency, and genuine justice are essential to honour the memory of the victims and restore public trust.” 

The Vatican previously urged Sri Lanka to clarify responsibility for the attacks, emphasizing that justice would bring peace to the nation. The late Pope Francis also called for transparency and accountability.