Sri Lanka Easter bombing convicts each sentenced to over 220 years in prison as survivors say 'finally we have justice'

From the Newshound archive · first published 22 September 2026 · last updated 23 September 2026.

Fifteen men convicted over the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings have each been sentenced to more than 220 years in prison, in a ruling on one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the country's history. The IS-inspired assault struck worship venues and upmarket hotels — six sites in total — killing 267 people and wounding close to 6,000. All nine suicide bombers died carrying out the attacks, meaning those sentenced faced charges of conspiracy and facilitating the violence.

Among those convicted is Naufer Moulavi, whom prosecutors identified as the mastermind behind the coordinated suicide bombings.

The proceedings lasted nearly five years and involved more than 23,270 charges, 2,300 witnesses for the prosecution, and 2,076 exhibits ranging from explosives to firearms.

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church has alleged, without presenting evidence, that those truly responsible have never been identified, suggesting a wider conspiracy lay behind the attacks.