The verdict in the case filed against 24 accused over the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks is scheduled to be delivered on September 22 at 9.00 a.m.
The trial, which lasted for more than three years, concluded yesterday (08). The attacks targeted churches and hotels in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa, killing 224 civilians, including foreign nationals, and injuring 584 others.
The three-member Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar, comprising Justices Navaratne Marasinghe (Chairman), Sujeewa Nishanka and Ramanathan Kannan, ordered the defence to submit written submissions before noon today (09).
Accused who do not have legal representation submitted their written submissions yesterday, following the conclusion of the trial.
The prosecution case commenced on October 10, 2023, and concluded on August 13, 2026, with evidence being heard over a total of 249 days.
Although 2,309 witnesses were listed in the indictment, the court heard evidence from approximately 547 witnesses during the trial.
The Attorney General had initially filed the case against 25 accused, including Naufar Moulavi. However, proceedings were limited to 24 accused following the death of the 17th accused.
A total of 23,270 charges have been filed against the accused in connection with the attacks.
During the defence case, the sixth accused, who was unrepresented by a lawyer, chose to remain silent, while the remaining 23 accused gave statements from the dock.
A Voice Stress Analysis (VSA) test was also conducted to determine whether confessions made by seven accused had been given voluntarily. The court determined that statements made by several accused were voluntary, while concluding that the statement made by the eighth accused, Mohamed Pirouz, had not been given voluntarily.
The prosecution was led by a team of lawyers including Senior Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel Haripriya Jayasundara on behalf of the Attorney General. Several of the accused were represented by private counsel.
A total of 31 cases have so far been filed in connection with the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, while investigations are continuing against additional suspects over allegations including conspiracy.
