Former Sri Lankan Police Chief Sentenced to Death Over 2019 Easter Bombings
A Sri Lankan court has sentenced former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara to death for criminal negligence related to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 260 people in Sri Lanka.
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 31, 2026 —
A Sri Lankan court has handed down a death sentence to former Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara. The sentencing is in connection with criminal negligence pertaining to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, a series of coordinated attacks that resulted in the deaths of over 260 individuals across Sri Lanka.
The court found Jayasundara guilty of failing to take adequate measures to prevent the attacks, despite intelligence warnings. The bombings targeted churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, causing widespread devastation and international condemnation.
The legal proceedings have been closely watched, highlighting accountability concerns following the tragic events. The sentence against the former police chief marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
The exact details of the intelligence shared and the specific failures cited by the court were not detailed in the provided summary. The outcome of the trial reflects the court’s assessment of Jayasundara’s responsibilities and actions in the period leading up to the attacks.
The 2019 Easter Sunday bombings were carried out by suicide bombers affiliated with local extremist groups. The attacks had a profound impact on Sri Lanka’s social fabric and tourism industry.
Further information regarding the legal basis for the sentencing and any potential appeals is pending.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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