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Easter Attack Justice Still Denied After 7 Years - Sajith
Seven years after the devastating Easter Sunday attacks that shook Sri Lanka to its core, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has renewed calls for justice, highlighting the government's continued failure to provide accountability for the victims and their families. The attacks, which claimed over 250 lives and injured hundreds more, remain one of the darkest chapters in Sri Lanka's recent history. Premadasa's Call for Accountability Speaking on the seventh anniversary of the tragic events, Sajith Premadasa emphasized that justice for the Easter Sunday attack victims remains a fundamental responsibility that successive governments have failed to fulfill. The Opposition Leader's statement comes as families of victims continue to seek answers about the coordinated bombings that targeted churches and luxury hotels across the island nation on April 21, 2019. Premadasa's criticism extends beyond mere political rhetoric, touching on the deep wounds that remain unhealed in Sri Lankan society. The attacks, which were carried out by local Islamic extremist groups with alleged international connections, exposed significant intelligence failures and security lapses that many believe could have been prevented. The Easter Sunday Attacks: A National Tragedy The Easter Sunday bombings targeted three churches during Easter services and three luxury hotels in Colombo and Batticaloa. The coordinated nature of the attacks and their timing during one of Christianity's holiest days sent shockwaves throughout the nation and the international community. The majority of victims were Sri Lankan Christians attending Easter services, along with foreign tourists staying at the targeted hotels. The attacks were later attributed to the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), a local extremist group that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. However, investigations revealed that intelligence agencies had received prior warnings about potential attacks, raising serious questions about the government's preparedness and response mechanisms. Ongoing Quest for Justice Despite multiple investigations, commissions of inquiry, and promises from various political leaders, families of the victims argue that true justice remains elusive. The complex web of intelligence failures, political negligence, and security oversights has made it challenging to hold specific individuals accountable for the preventable tragedy. Several high-ranking officials, including former President Maithripala S...
The Easter investigation must not become ethno-religious politics
Marking World Health Day on April 7, health experts have called for a stronger commitment to science-based decision-making to address increasingly complex and evolving health challenges in Sri Lanka and beyond. Dr. Dayanath Ranatunga, Assistant Representative of the United Nations Population Fund, stressed that health is no longer confined to hospitals or traditional medical systems, but is shaped by a broad spectrum of social, environmental, and technological factors. “This year’s theme, ‘Together for Health. Stand with Science,’ reminds us that science is not only for laboratories or policymakers. It is a way of thinking and a tool that shapes everyday decisions,” he said. Dr. Ranatunga noted that modern health challenges are increasingly interconnected, ranging from infectious diseases such as COVID-19 to climate-related risks, demographic shifts, and emerging forms of online violence. He warned that maternal and newborn health continues to demand urgent attention despite progress. Globally, an estimated 260,000 women died from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes in 2023 alone—many of them preventable through timely, science-based interventions. “In countries like Sri Lanka, where fertility rates are declining and survival rates improving, every pregnancy carries greater significance—not just for families, but for the future of communities and economies,” he said. The UNFPA official also highlighted the growing threat of Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), including cyber harassment and online abuse, noting that these forms of violence can have deep psychological consequences despite lacking visible physical harm. He emphasised the need for multidisciplinary, science-informed approaches that integrate mental health, digital safety, and survivor-centered care. Turning to demographic trends, Dr. Ranatunga pointed out that increasing life expectancy is bringing new challenges, particularly the rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and cancers. In Sri Lanka, nearly 13.9% of mothers develop diabetes during pregnancy, a trend attributed to obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, underscoring the urgent need for preventive healthcare strategies. “Are we investing enough in prevention?” he asked, noting that early intervention and healthier lifestyles could significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs, especially in a country with a free public healthcare system. He underscored the importance of data-dr...
“Every time there is a proper investigation into the Easter Sunday ...
He led a famous protest march to Manisakulam LTTE camp, where he wasn't sure if he would come alive. Udaya Gammanpila, one of the leading voices against LTTE.
If Zaharan had been arrested BEFORE Easter Sunday massacre
Shenali D Waduge by Shenali Waduge · 6th April 2026 The 2019 Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka were not unforeseen. Intelligence agencies had repeatedly ...
