Easter Sunday six years on: Still waiting for truth, justice, and reconciliation

As the sixth commemoration of the tragic Easter Sunday attacks draws near, Sri Lanka finds itself still entangled in a web of unanswered questions, delayed prosecutions, political manoeuvring, and communal wounds that have yet to heal.

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On 21 April 2019, an unthinkable act of terror unfolded across the country, leaving a trail of worshipping celebrants of Christianity’s holiest days and foreign nationals enjoying breakfast in Colombo’s five-star hotels. The psychological, political, and communal aftershocks of this catastrophe continue to haunt us to this day.

Despite numerous investigations— both local and international—along with the appointment of special presidential commissions and committees, the full truth has not yet seen the light of day.

What the public has been exposed to are fragments, some corroborative, others contradictory—raising serious doubts about the intent and integrity of those tasked with investigating this national tragedy.

A calculated tragedy or a deep state debacle?

What became increasingly evident over time was the ease with which the attacks were orchestrated. Intelligence agencies under the microscope

The aftermath has seen the public tearing down the once-revered institutions of law enforcement and national security. The accusations come fair, others misplaced—have undermined the trust and cohesion within and among our security agencies. More alarmingly, it has politicised intelligence work, placing officers in the awkward position of having to defend informational flaws that were likely driven or conducted by political actors.