# Sri Lankan officials get death sentences for 2019 Easter bombings

> Two ex-Sri Lankan officials sentenced to death for 2019 Easter bombings that killed 260 people
- Title: Sri Lankan officials get death sentences for 2019 Easter…
- Summary: Two ex-Sri Lankan officials sentenced to death for 2019 Easter bombings that killed 260 people Former police chief and defense official received death…
- Keywords: sri lanka, easter bombings, pujith jayasundara, hemasiri fernando, sri lankan police, defence ministry, criminal negligence, 2019, death sentence, high court, news, world
- Source: Al Jazeera — https://aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/1/two-ex-sri-lanka-officials-sentenced-to-death-over-2019-easter-bombings
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sri lanka, easter bombings, pujith jayasundara, hemasiri fernando, sri lankan police, defence ministry, criminal negligence, 2019, death sentence, high court, news, world
## Death sentences handed
Sri Lanka's former police chief Pujith Jayasundara and former defense official Hemasiri Fernando received death sentences for criminal negligence in the 2019 Easter bombings that killed 260 people.

> Sri Lanka's former police chief Pujith Jayasundara and former defense official Hemasiri Fernando were convicted and sentenced in a 2-1 decision by the three-member High Court bench.
## Court ruling details
The High Court sentenced the two officials to death after finding them guilty of criminal negligence for the 2019 Easter bombings that killed 260 people.
## 2019 Easter attacks
The 2019 Easter bombings killed 260 people across Sri Lanka, targeting churches and hotels.
## Court decision
The three-member High Court bench convicted the officials in a 2-1 decision, with the third judge dissenting.
## Criminal negligence
The court found the officials guilty of criminal negligence for their roles in the 2019 Easter bombings.
## Key takeaway

Former police chief and defense official received death sentences for criminal negligence in 2019 Easter attacks