Sri Lanka court convicts 15 over 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 260

A Sri Lankan court on Tuesday convicted 15 people over their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed more than 260 people and wounded about 500 in one of the deadliest attacks in the country's history. A three-judge bench found 14 of the accused guilty on all charges, including murder, conspiracy to commit terrorism, and possessing firearms and explosives under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. A 15th defendant was convicted on some but not all charges, while nine other defendants were acquitted.

The verdict comes after a trial that lasted roughly five years. The Islamic State-inspired bombings targeted three churches and three hotels across Sri Lanka during Easter Sunday services and celebrations on April 21, 2019, killing worshippers and tourists alike, including 42 foreign nationals. All of the accused in the case are members of Sri Lanka's minority Muslim community. Sentencing for those convicted will take place at a later date.

The bombings devastated communities across the island and prompted sweeping security crackdowns, resignations of senior officials, and years of scrutiny over intelligence failures that allowed the plot to proceed despite prior warnings. Tuesday's ruling marks one of the most significant judicial milestones since the attacks, though many victims' families have said they are still seeking broader accountability for the security lapses that preceded the bombings.