2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings

terrorist attack, Sri Lanka

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July 22, 2026

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The 2019 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks that occurred on Easter morning, April 21, 2019. Eight explosions struck churches and hotels across the country, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. An additional blast occurred near a church the following day. Authorities had received warnings about the impending attacks approximately two weeks prior. A previously little-known Islamist militant group was identified as the orchestrator, though the nature and sophistication of the attacks suggested possible involvement from international networks. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) later claimed responsibility, but provided no evidence of direct involvement.12

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Sri Lanka
Growing debt and instability
On April 21, 2019—Easter morning—eight explosions occurred in the vicinity of churches and hotels, leaving hundreds dead and hundreds more wounded. Another blast occurred near a church the next day, while other explosive devices were discovered and neutralized before being detonated. Authorities, who had been warned about the attack about…
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On April 21, 2019—Easter morning—eight explosions occurred in the vicinity of churches and hotels, leaving hundreds dead and hundreds more wounded. Another blast occurred near a church the next day, while other explosive devices were discovered and neutralized before being detonated. Authorities, who had been warned about the attack about…
Read More

Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Presidency
…its inability to prevent the 2019 Easter terror attacks on the country, Rajapaksa offered a promise of progress, stability, and security. In November he was elected to the presidency along ethno-religious lines; he lacked support from Tamil and Muslim voters, who were fearful of restoring to power a family known…
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…its inability to prevent the 2019 Easter terror attacks on the country, Rajapaksa offered a promise of progress, stability, and security. In November he was elected to the presidency along ethno-religious lines; he lacked support from Tamil and Muslim voters, who were fearful of restoring to power a family known…
Read More