Sri Lankan court summons ex-president over 2019 bombings
Sep 16, 2022
A Sri Lankan court has issued a summons ordering an ex-president to appear in a case alleging he failed to prevent suicide bomb attacks in 2019 that killed nearly 270 people
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — A Sri Lankan court issued a summons on Friday ordering an ex-president to appear in a case alleging he failed to prevent suicide bomb attacks in 2019 that killed nearly 270 people.
The court ordered ex-President Maithripala Sirisena to appear on Oct. 14 in a complaint filed by a Catholic priest and a worshipper saying his negligence led to the near-simultaneous bomb blasts in three churches and three tourist hotels on Easter Sunday 2019.
The complaint was filed by the Rev. Cyril Gamini, spokesperson for the archdiocese of Colombo, and Jesuraj Ganeshan, who said he lost one leg in a blast at a church where he was attending Easter services. It says Sirisena, who was also defense minister, minister in charge of law and order, and head of the armed forces, failed to take action in response to many prior warnings that a radical Islamic group was preaching violence against non-believers.
It also said Sirisena left on a personal trip to Singapore just days before the blasts without naming anyone to oversee his duties while he was away.
The failure to prevent the blasts has been blamed on a communication breakdown and lack of coordination between Sirisena and current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was then prime minister in the coalition government.
Authorities have filed charges against several people allegedly involved in the attacks, but the local Catholic church has said the real culprits could still be at large.
MORE NEWS
Commerce Minister Goyal meets USTR Greer on sidelines of G20 meet
Piyush Goyal met with Jamieson Greer in Milwaukee to advance discussions on a bilateral trade agreement. This meeting occurred during the G20 Trade Ministerial and follows a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Goyal expressed confidence that the trade pact will be finalized once competitive advantages are established. The negotiations are influenced by changes in the US tariff landscape affecting various Asian competitors.
Commerce Minister Goyal meets USTR Greer on sidelines of G20 meet
Piyush Goyal met with Jamieson Greer in Milwaukee to advance discussions on a bilateral trade agreement. This meeting occurred during the G20 Trade Ministerial and follows a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Goyal expressed confidence that the trade pact will be finalized once competitive advantages are established. The negotiations are influenced by changes in the US tariff landscape affecting various Asian competitors.
Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 13: India Lose 2nd Set, Trail Pakistan 0-2 In Volleyball Quarterfinal
India at the Asian Games 2026 Live: Follow all the latest updates, scores and latest medals tally as India competes across various events on Day 13 in Japan.
Earthquake of magnitude 5.3 strikes Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan, GFZ says
An earthquake measuring 5.3 hit the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) on Thursday. This quake happened at a depth of about 10 kilometers, which is roughly 6.21 miles below the surface.
'Captain Smit Machchhar is a hero': PM Modi hails former pilot SpiceJet pilot aboard Flydubai flight
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery during an emergency on Flight FZ1073. The flight faced a serious situation in the cockpit, requiring immediate action from the captain. Machchhar's decisive actions allowed the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, protecting the lives of 174 passengers. PM Modi expressed pride in the captain's courage and wished him a speedy recovery.
'Captain Smit Machchhar is a hero': PM Modi hails former pilot SpiceJet pilot aboard Flydubai flight
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized Captain Smit Machchhar for his bravery during an emergency on Flight FZ1073. The flight faced a serious situation in the cockpit, requiring immediate action from the captain. Machchhar's decisive actions allowed the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, protecting the lives of 174 passengers. PM Modi expressed pride in the captain's courage and wished him a speedy recovery.
Kevin Hart, Kai Cenat and Druski’s ‘Livestream From Hell’ arrives on Prime Video without prior release date
Kevin Hart, Kai Cenat, and Druski have collaborated on a horror-comedy film called 'Livestream From Hell.' Released unexpectedly on Prime Video, the film features a disastrous livestream where a murder occurs. The movie showcases several celebrity cameos, enhancing its entertainment value as millions watch the chaos unfold. The concept was inspired by their previous livestream collaborations on social media platforms.
T.J. Maxx closing stores in the US? These locations have shut down in 2026 - Here’s what we know so far
T.J. Maxx has experienced some store closures in 2026, particularly in Massachusetts and Maryland. Despite these closings, the brand's overall presence in the United States has increased with more openings. The closures involve well-established locations that regular shoppers frequented, which are now closed. Customers can continue shopping at other T.J. Maxx locations or online for their needs. The brand remains significant in the off-price retail market overall.
Asian Games 2026 schedule today: Cricket, hockey semi-finals headline India's Day 12 agenda
On Day 12 of the Asian Games 2026, India's cricket and hockey teams are competing in crucial semi-finals. India will face Sri Lanka in men's cricket, aiming to reach the final for gold. Later, the men's hockey team will confront Pakistan, renewing their long-standing rivalry. Various other Indian athletes also participate across multiple sports seeking medal opportunities during this busy day.
"Terrorist or whack job": Trump on flydubai co-pilot after mid-air attack; calls Indian Captain Smit Machchhar a hero
US President Donald Trump communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about an attack on flydubai flight FZ1073. During this incident, an Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was stabbed by his co-pilot. The quick actions of passengers helped subdue the attacker, allowing for a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. Both the pilot and passengers received praise from diplomatic missions for their bravery during the situation.
Asian Games 2026 India Full Schedule, October 1: Complete List Of Events And Timings
India continues its Asian Games 2026 campaign in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday, October 1, with athletes competing in archery, wrestling, cricket, cycling, shooting and more.