Sri Lanka’s ex-police chief sentenced to death for negligence in bombings that killed more than 260
Summary
A Sri Lankan court sentenced former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara to death for negligence related to the 2019 Easter bombings that killed more than 260 people. The bombings targeted hotels and churches and were inspired by the Islamic State. In Sri Lanka, a death sentence usually means life in prison because executions have not been carried out since 1976.Key Facts
- Pujith Jayasundara was found guilty of criminal negligence for failing to prevent the 2019 bombings.
- The bombings happened on Easter Sunday and killed over 260 people, including 42 foreigners.
- The attacks targeted three tourist hotels and three churches (two Catholic, one Protestant).
- Police and intelligence agencies had received warnings but did not act on them.
- Sri Lanka has had an informal pause on executions since 1976, so death sentences are typically served as life imprisonment.
- The current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake supports the continuation of the execution moratorium.
- Another government official, Hemasiri Fernando, faces a similar court ruling for the same charge.
- Two Islamic militant groups based in Sri Lanka were blamed for the bombings, and many involved have died.
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