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Vatican Proclaims Sri Lanka Easter Bombing Victims “Heroes of Faith”
In a significant declaration, the Vatican has recognized 167 individuals who perished in the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka as “heroes of faith.” This announcement marks a poignant moment in the ongoing remembrance of the attacks that targeted Christian churches and luxury hotels, resulting in widespread loss of life.
Cardinal Ranjith Commemorates Anniversary, Vatican Honors Victims
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, a prominent religious figure in Sri Lanka, delivered the announcement during a commemorative event marking the sixth anniversary of the tragic suicide attacks. These coordinated bombings, which struck Catholic churches and five-star hotels during Easter Sunday services, resulted in the deaths of 269 people and shook the nation.
The Vatican’s recognition specifically honors Catholic worshippers who were attending mass at the churches targeted in the attacks, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice.
Lingering Questions and Controversial Investigations
The Easter bombings deeply traumatized Sri Lanka, representing a resurgence of violence unseen since the conclusion of the civil war in 2009. However, subsequent investigations into the attacks have been marred by controversy and public skepticism.
Public Criticism and Allegations of Government Inaction
While Muslim extremists claimed responsibility for the bombings, families of the victims and the Christian minority population have voiced strong criticism. They accuse the government of deliberately delaying meaningful action against individuals suspected of involvement in planning and executing the attacks.
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Public anger intensified with the revelation that prior intelligence warnings concerning potential attacks were reportedly disregarded by security officials and the then-government. Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has since mandated former President Maithripala Sirisena to provide compensation to bombing victims for “ignoring actionable intelligence” that could have potentially averted the tragedy.
Trial Delays and Complexity
A trial involving 25 individuals accused of orchestrating the Easter Sunday attacks commenced in 2021. However, the sheer volume of charges, totaling 23,000, and the extensive list of witnesses have led legal experts to caution that the trial could potentially extend for many years.
Persistent Claims of Government Cover-Up
The Catholic community, spearheaded by Cardinal Ranjith, has consistently asserted that the previous government actively concealed aspects of the investigations. They allege this was done to shield the “brains behind the attacks” from accountability and justice.
Channel 4 Documentary Fuels Suspicions
A 2023 investigative documentary broadcast by Channel 4 further inflamed public sentiment. The documentary raised serious questions regarding potential links between elements within the government, the military, and the group initially blamed for the bombings. It suggested the possibility that the attacks were intentionally allowed to occur for political gain.
Political Fallout and Shifting Government Stances
The Easter bombings had significant political repercussions. In the presidential elections that followed shortly after the attacks, Gotabaya Rajapaksa secured a landslide victory, campaigning on a platform centered on national security concerns.
Rajapaksa, in a parliamentary address, issued a denial of all allegations presented in the Channel 4 documentary.
The issue resurfaced prominently following the 2024 Sri Lankan elections, which resulted in a new president and parliament. The newly formed government has since proposed that the attacks were orchestrated as a conspiracy by a “certain group” aiming to seize political power at the time.
This new administration has initiated the reopening of investigations into the bombings. A report from a presidential inquiry commission has been formally submitted to the country’s central investigative agency for further examination and inquiry.
Government Vows Justice and Accountability
“As a government, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is served for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks,” stated Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in a public statement released to coincide with the anniversary. “Ongoing efforts to thoroughly investigate the attacks and uncover all underlying truths without obstruction or delay remain a paramount priority. Accountability, transparency, and genuine justice are indispensable to honoring the memory of those who were lost and restoring public trust in our institutions.”