Colombo court sets verdict date for 2019 Easter Sunday attacks trial

The Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar has scheduled September 22, 2026, to deliver its verdict regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. The case involves 24 to 25 defendants, including Naufer Maulavi, facing thousands of charges related to the coordinated suicide bombings.

The attacks, led by Zahran Hashim, occurred on April 21, 2019, targeting churches such as St. Anthony’s Shrine, St. Sebastian’s, and Zion Church, as well as luxury hotels including the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand, and Kingsbury. The bombings resulted in at least 269 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

The trial has involved extensive evidence, including confessions, DNA reports, and physical items such as explosives, firearms, and chemicals. Both the prosecution and defense are required to submit written submissions by September 8, 2026, ahead of the final judgment by the three-judge bench.