Sri Lanka High Court to deliver verdict on Easter Sunday attack trial

The Colombo Special Three-Judge High Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on September 22, 2026, regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. The trial involves 24 accused individuals, including Naufer Moulavi, who face charges of terrorism, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting suicide bombers led by Zahran Hashim.

The indictment is one of the largest in the country’s judicial history, featuring over 23,000 charges. During the proceedings, the court reviewed 2,076 productions, including explosives, chemicals, and firearms. The prosecution examined hundreds of witnesses to build the case following the coordinated bombings that targeted churches in Katuwapitiya, Kochchikade, and Batticaloa, as well as several hotels in Colombo.

The 2019 attacks resulted in 274 deaths, including children and foreign tourists, and left 577 people injured. While the original indictment named 25 accused, the number was reduced to 24 following the death of one defendant in prison custody. The accused have previously pleaded not guilty and remain in remand custody pending the final judgment.