Sri Lanka: Seven Years On, Cardinal Ranjith Presses for Truth in Easter Sunday Bombing Probe

Sri Lanka marked the seventh anniversary of the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings on April 21 with memorial services across the island, as Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith of Colombo renewed his call for transparency in the investigation and accountability for those behind the attacks.

The coordinated bombings targeted three churches and several luxury hotels on April 21, 2019, killing 272 people and injuring about 500 others.

Memorial services were held at key sites of the attacks, including St. Anthony’s National Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo, St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo, and Zion Christian Church in Batticaloa, where Catholic clergy joined Protestant congregants in a joint act of remembrance.

The Colombo commemoration was attended by a delegation that included Archbishop Andrzej Józwowicz, Apostolic Nuncio to Sri Lanka, along with auxiliary bishops, religious leaders of different faiths, diplomats, and families of victims.

Speaking at St. Anthony’s Shrine, Cardinal Ranjith said there was growing uncertainty over whether the full truth behind the attacks would ever be disclosed.

“We are asking for a revelation of who was truly behind these horrific killings,” he said. “There is a growing uncertainty as to whether the truth will ever surface.”

He criticized what he described as a weakening of the rule of law and said justice was being undermined by political influence and delays. According to him, power and wealth continue to obstruct accountability while public trust in institutions declines.

Cardinal Ranjith also raised concerns over the progress of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the attacks. He said that although the commission completed its work years ago, only its first volume of findings has been made public.

“I do not understand who possesses a heart so cruel that they would prevent investigators from carrying out their duties freely,” he said, adding that key lines of inquiry and evidence had not been fully pursued. He also accused some political actors of promoting misleading narratives that obscure responsibility.

He acknowledged that the administration elected in 2024 had shown what he described as a more constructive approach to the investigation, but said significant obstacles remain.

Across the country, memorial events included processions and vigils. In Negombo, a large procession from Maris Stella College to St. Sebastian’s Church concluded with a candlelight vigil at the cemetery where many victims are buried. In Kandy, a multi-religious march was organized by the Human Rights Council of the Diocese of Kandy. In Katuwapitiya, families continued their monthly silent protest, held every 21st of the month, calling for justice.

The Vatican has declared those killed inside the churches during the attacks as “Heroes of Faith,” a designation that has offered spiritual recognition to the victims within the Catholic Church.

Seven years after the attacks, families of victims continue to press for full disclosure of responsibility, saying their demand for answers remains unresolved.