Sri Lanka’s High Court in Colombo sentenced 15 men to 220 years in prison each for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The attacks on churches and hotels killed 279 people. This verdict marks the first direct criminal convictions linked to the massacre. The court also ordered the confiscation of the defendants' assets. Catholic leaders welcomed the ruling as a step toward justice. However, separate investigations continue into alleged state complicity. Former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay remains in custody, accused of orchestrating the attacks to boost political support for the Rajapaksa family. Authorities deny these claims.
Rev Fr M Sathivel, coordinator of the National Organisation for the Release of Political Prisoners, accused Sri Lanka’s NPP government of prioritizing the release of jailed monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara while ignoring Tamil political prisoners. In a statement on October 29, Sathivel criticized President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration for failing to fulfill election promises to free detainees. The group also condemned the arrest of Krishnakumar under the Prevention of Terrorism Act upon his return from India and highlighted restrictions on Tamil war memorials. Sathivel argued these actions constitute discrimination against Tamil communities in the North-East.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Sadiq Ahmad on UnsplashPersecuted church
According to the International Mission Board, believers in the Tea River region of South Asia endure ostracization and pressure from the surrounding Muslim majority. The areas involved include India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The organization highlights that these Christians face regular persecution and threats. Consequently, the IMB urges supporters to pray for their spiritual strength, endurance, and boldness in sharing their faith. The group emphasizes that divine support helps these communities remain courageous despite the difficulties they encounter in their daily lives.
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Yiquan Zhang on UnsplashPersecuted church
On October 27, approximately 500 people gathered at a monument in Raddoluwa, Negombo, Sri Lanka, to demand accountability and adequate compensation for the forcibly disappeared. Brito Fernando, chairman of Families of the Disappeared, stated that current payouts of 200,000 rupees are insufficient compared to other cases. He noted that only 684 of 5,000 eligible families received funds from the 2025 budget. Activists estimate tens of thousands went missing during past conflicts. The group urges the government to ensure funds reach victims directly and to investigate mass grave sites to deliver justice for the victims' relatives.
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Chinh Le Duc on UnsplashPersecuted church
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death penalty for a Sri Lankan migrant convicted of blasphemy. A senior government official confirmed the ruling, praising diplomatic efforts by both nations. The individual was arrested after posting offensive comments about the Prophet Muhammad on social media during an online argument. The case sparked significant diplomatic tension and calls for clemency. While the initial sentence included a fine and prison term, the death penalty has been removed. Human rights organizations criticized the use of such laws against vulnerable migrant workers, noting ongoing religious freedom restrictions in the Kingdom.
Sri Lanka has updated prison regulations to permit incarcerated religious leaders to wear their traditional attire during court appearances. The change follows protests by Buddhist monks and rights activists who argued that forcing clergy to wear standard inmate uniforms violated sacred traditions. An extraordinary gazette issued on October 24 established these procedures, extending similar provisions to clergy of other faiths with necessary modifications. The Prisons Department noted that over 63 religious leaders are currently detained. Officials emphasize that the rule change concerns clothing only and does not exempt any clergy from legal prosecution or punishment for their offenses.
Sri Lanka’s proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill has triggered widespread concern among civil society, media groups, and trade associations. On October 17, media organizations challenged the legislation’s constitutionality in the Supreme Court, arguing it restricts press freedom and protects whistleblowers inadequately. The Joint Apparel Association Forum warned that the bill could jeopardize the country’s European Union trade concessions, potentially endangering 140,000 jobs. Critics, including Christian clergy and labor activists, protested in Colombo on October 13, citing fears of expanded executive powers and vague definitions that might criminalize legitimate dissent. The government intends to replace the long-criticized Prevention of Terrorism Act with this new framework.
Amnesty International urges Saudi authorities to overturn the death sentence of a Sri Lankan migrant worker. He was arrested after posting a comment on Facebook deemed insulting to the Prophet Mohammad. Initially sentenced to five years in prison and a large fine, his punishment was increased to death on appeal. The group states he was denied legal counsel and argues the sentence violates freedom of expression. Amnesty calls for his immediate release and a moratorium on executions for non-violent offenses in the country. (Source: Amnesty International)
On September 22, a Sri Lankan appeals court sentenced 15 individuals to prison terms ranging from 200 to 260 years for their roles in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The attacks targeted churches and hotels in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa, killing approximately 270 people. While Christian groups welcomed the verdict, organizations like Christian Solidarity Worldwide emphasized that full justice remains incomplete without addressing alleged state intelligence failures. Defendants plan to appeal to the Supreme Court. This ruling follows previous decisions holding former officials accountable for ignoring security warnings.
Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church has urged authorities to investigate alleged political connections to the 2019 Easter bombings following the conviction of 15 defendants. Father Jude Chrysantha Fernando stated that while the verdict is a step toward justice, questions remain regarding who facilitated the attacks for political gain. The High Court sentenced the convicted individuals to prison terms between 200 and 260 years and ordered asset confiscation. Nine defendants were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Fernando described the ruling as part of a healing process for victims' families, noting that some have received state compensation and church assistance. The attacks killed 279 people, including 167 Catholics.
A Sri Lankan court in Colombo is set to deliver a verdict Tuesday regarding 24 men accused of involvement in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The coordinated attacks killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners. Authorities are also investigating allegations that state elements, including former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, had links to the perpetrators. Police are implementing special security measures for the proceedings. If convicted, defendants could face the death penalty, though Sri Lanka has not executed anyone since 1976. The trial involves over 23,000 charges, marking the highest number in a single Sri Lankan case. All defendants deny involvement. (Source: LiCAS News)
Christian Solidarity Worldwide argues that the European Union should maximize its influence over Pakistan and Sri Lanka through the upcoming Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus renewal. The organization suggests that the reapplication process in 2027 offers optimal leverage for human rights advocacy. CSW recommends that the EU require specific, measurable action plans from applicant nations rather than vague commitments. The group highlights that threatening tariff suspension is more effective than imposing them, as tariffs harm the general population. They propose concrete steps, such as prosecuting false blasphemy accusations in Pakistan, to demonstrate tangible progress without requiring immediate legislative overhaul. This approach aims to ensure accountability while maintaining trade benefits.
An American teenager visited Sri Lanka with her family to meet the child she sponsors through World Vision. The two girls share the same birthday and had exchanged letters for years prior to this meeting. During the visit, the American teen discovered that despite the geographical distance, the two individuals have more in common than she initially believed. This encounter highlights the personal connections fostered by the sponsorship program between supporters in the US and beneficiaries in Sri Lanka.
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on UnsplashGood news
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, a young Hindu woman named Tabitha sought relief from months of nightmares by praying to various Hindu deities without success. She then prayed to Jesus, reportedly experiencing peaceful sleep immediately afterward. According to the International Mission Board, Tabitha now desires to follow Jesus and attributes her deliverance to Him alone. The organization states that she needs spiritual guidance and discipleship from another believer. Additionally, the group notes that while her parents are accepting of her faith, they remain unconverted, and prayers are requested for their household and the potential establishment of a church in their home.
Read more →
Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on UnsplashGood news
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, a local man encountered several young believers over the summer who shared the Christian message with him. He began reading the Bible and was approached by different groups, hearing the gospel three times in six weeks. According to the International Mission Board, he is currently studying Scripture with a believer and is understanding the commitment required to follow Christ. The organization states he appears close to making a public profession of faith. This development highlights ongoing evangelistic efforts in the region.
A missionary from the International Mission Board is distributing Bibles and digital access cards across South Asia, a region with over 100 million people where printed Bibles are scarce. The team provides 10,000 printed Bibles annually and distributes QR code cards linking to online Scriptures and videos. This strategy reaches approximately 80,000 people each year. The effort is supported by donors, including a Southern Baptist church in a city in Alabama, which raised funds through a Walk for Bibles event. The initiative aims to meet the growing demand for Scripture among new believers in countries including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Missionaries and local partners are ministering to women in red-light districts across South Asia. The team reports that several women have left prostitution after committing to Christianity. The ministry provides weekly prayer meetings, annual camps, and a halfway house offering job skills training. The work addresses a gap where NGOs rescue victims but do not consistently share the gospel. The missionaries say the women find hope and a new identity as daughters of God, with plans to plant churches in their home villages in the future.
Major Christian organizations issued a joint appeal urging leaders to end global hunger, citing conflicts, economic instability, and climate change as root causes. They identified tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran and the Israel-US alliance, as critical threats to food security. Disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz have severely impacted fertilizer trade and raised oil prices. The World Food Programme warns that ongoing regional conflicts could push millions into acute hunger, with severe impacts expected in vulnerable nations across Africa and Asia. The letter calls for immediate action to protect food supplies and support affected populations worldwide.
Research involving thousands of children across multiple nations indicates that young people primarily perceive divine love through trusting relationships with caring adults. Spiritual understanding appears rooted in relational experiences, such as protection and belonging, rather than abstract theological concepts. This dynamic was observed in various regions where children endure significant hardships. The findings highlight that consistent, supportive interactions from parents and community members are crucial for children's spiritual and emotional well-being, particularly when family structures are unstable or fractured. These insights emphasize the importance of relational care in fostering faith among youth facing adversity.
SermonWave writes its own short summaries and links to the original reporting. Every story belongs to the outlet that reported it. About World News · Our sources · RSS feed
