The Vatican has officially recognized 167 individuals who perished in the devastating Easter Sunday bombings of 2019 in Sri Lanka as "heroes of faith." This announcement was made by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith during a memorial service held to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the tragic events. The bombings, which targeted Catholic churches and luxury hotels during Easter Sunday mass, resulted in the deaths of 269 people and left a profound impact on the nation, which had not experienced such violence since the end of its civil war in 2009.
During the service at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, Cardinal Ranjith expressed his deep sorrow and the need for justice. He stated, "I urge you to remain patient, not to take revenge and not let feelings take charge, by making the promise that the perpetrators will be brought to justice somehow." His remarks came amid ongoing frustrations from families of the victims and the Christian community, who have accused the government of failing to act on intelligence warnings prior to the attacks.
The bombings, attributed to Muslim extremists, have led to widespread criticism of the Sri Lankan government, particularly regarding the handling of intelligence that could have potentially prevented the attacks. Following the bombings, a trial commenced against 25 individuals accused of masterminding the assaults in 2021. However, with an overwhelming 23,000 charges filed, lawyers have warned that the trial may drag on for years, complicating the pursuit of justice.
Adding to the tension, the country’s Supreme Court has directed former President Maithripala Sirisena to provide compensation to the victims for his government’s negligence in acting on actionable intelligence. This ruling has reignited public anger over the perceived mishandling of the investigation and the lack of accountability for those in power at the time.
In a 2023 investigation by Channel 4, serious allegations surfaced regarding possible collusion between the government and the group blamed for the attacks. The documentary suggested that the attacks may have been allowed to occur as part of a political strategy, a claim vehemently denied by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his parliamentary address. Rajapaksa, who rose to power shortly after the attacks, campaigned on a platform centered around national security.
Fast forward to 2024, a new government has taken office and has reopened investigations into the bombings. They have alleged that the attacks were part of a conspiracy by a "certain group" to seize political power at the time. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya reaffirmed the government's commitment to justice, stating, "Ongoing efforts to investigate the attacks and uncover all truths without obstruction or delay remain a top priority. Accountability, transparency, and genuine justice are essential to honoring the memory of the victims and restoring public trust."
Cardinal Ranjith has been a vocal figure in the aftermath of the bombings, urging the government to cleanse society of elements that have encouraged politically motivated acts of terrorism. He criticized the Presidential Commission of Inquiry established by Sirisena, arguing that it failed to uncover the broader forces behind the attacks. He noted that while the commission made recommendations regarding the mastermind of the attacks, Zaharan Hashim, and the inaction of political leaders, it did not adequately address the deeper issues at play.
Among the concerns raised by Cardinal Ranjith were unanswered questions regarding key figures involved in the attacks and the apparent sabotage attempts that undermined the investigations post-election. He highlighted the need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Katuwapitiya bomber’s wife, the identity of a mysterious figure known as "Sonic Sonic," and the links between the attackers and state intelligence agencies.
Despite the challenges, the Archbishop expressed hope for justice, emphasizing the importance of not succumbing to feelings of vengeance. As the anniversary of the attacks is marked, the families of the victims continue to seek answers and accountability. The ongoing investigations, coupled with the Vatican's recognition of those who lost their lives, serve as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of the bombings on Sri Lankan society.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the attacks, the calls for justice and transparency remain strong. Cardinal Ranjith’s commitment to uncovering the truth reflects a broader desire within the community for healing and reconciliation. The tragic events of Easter Sunday 2019 continue to resonate, underscoring the need for vigilance against terrorism and a commitment to safeguarding the values of faith and unity.
