The bombings rocked the nation, which had previously enjoyed peace since the end of its civil war in 2009. Investigations regarding the attacks have prompted widespread controversy and criticism from victims’ families and the island’s Christian minority, who accuse the government of inadequate responses to those implicated in orchestrating the violence.
Adding to the public frustration, it was revealed that prior intelligence warnings regarding potential attacks were allegedly ignored by government officials, particularly security heads. Sri Lanka's Supreme Court subsequently directed former president Maithripala Sirisena to compensate the bombing victims for failing to act on actionable intelligence that might have prevented the attacks.
In 2021, a trial commenced against 25 suspects accused of masterminding the bombings. Nonetheless, the unfolding legal proceedings are anticipated to extend over several years, burdened by 23,000 charges and an extensive witness list. The Catholic community, led by Cardinal Ranjith, has voiced continual accusations that the government attempted to conceal the truth behind the investigations to shield those truly responsible for the atrocities.
A 2023 investigative report by Channel 4 raised disturbing questions regarding possible ties between the government, military, and the organization alleged to be responsible for the attacks, asserting that the bombings might have been orchestrated for political gains. Following the tragedies, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected president, campaigning on a platform of national security and subsequently refuted all allegations made in the documentary.
The collective outrage surrounding the attacks has escalated once more with the recent election of a new president and parliament in 2024. The new administration posited that the bombings were part of a conspiracy orchestrated by certain groups to garner political power. Investigations into the incidents have been reignited, with a report from a presidential inquiry commission submitted to the central investigative agency for further probing.
In a statement reflecting the government's resolve, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized, "As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that justice is served. 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 honouring the memory of the victims and restoring public trust."
Adding to the public frustration, it was revealed that prior intelligence warnings regarding potential attacks were allegedly ignored by government officials, particularly security heads. Sri Lanka's Supreme Court subsequently directed former president Maithripala Sirisena to compensate the bombing victims for failing to act on actionable intelligence that might have prevented the attacks.
In 2021, a trial commenced against 25 suspects accused of masterminding the bombings. Nonetheless, the unfolding legal proceedings are anticipated to extend over several years, burdened by 23,000 charges and an extensive witness list. The Catholic community, led by Cardinal Ranjith, has voiced continual accusations that the government attempted to conceal the truth behind the investigations to shield those truly responsible for the atrocities.
A 2023 investigative report by Channel 4 raised disturbing questions regarding possible ties between the government, military, and the organization alleged to be responsible for the attacks, asserting that the bombings might have been orchestrated for political gains. Following the tragedies, Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected president, campaigning on a platform of national security and subsequently refuted all allegations made in the documentary.
The collective outrage surrounding the attacks has escalated once more with the recent election of a new president and parliament in 2024. The new administration posited that the bombings were part of a conspiracy orchestrated by certain groups to garner political power. Investigations into the incidents have been reignited, with a report from a presidential inquiry commission submitted to the central investigative agency for further probing.
In a statement reflecting the government's resolve, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized, "As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that justice is served. 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 honouring the memory of the victims and restoring public trust."
