On Easter Sunday, eight coordinated bomb blasts rocked Sri Lanka, targeting churches and high-end hotels, leading to massive casualties. The bombings occurred at St. Anthony's Shrine in Colombo, St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo, and Zion Church in Batticaloa, where worshippers had gathered for religious services. In addition to the churches, luxury hotels like the Shangri-La, Kingsbury, and Cinnamon Grand were also targeted, showcasing the attackers' intention to create maximum chaos and carnage. The series of explosions killed at least 269 people and injured around 500 others, affecting both locals and foreign nationals celebrating Easter.

In the immediate aftermath, the Sri Lankan government declared a state of emergency, implemented curfews, and started a massive manhunt for those responsible. Security forces conducted raids on suspected hideouts, leading to several arrests. Investigations indicated that the attacks were carried out by a local terror group named National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), noted for its radicalization and links to violence. Authorities also suggested possible connections to international terrorist organizations, underscoring the broader implications of the event in the context of rising global jihadist threats.

The bombings provoked shock and horror worldwide, as they highlighted the vulnerabilities of multi-religious nations to sectarian violence. Governments and organizations condemned the attacks, and many countries offered assistance to Sri Lanka in combating terrorism and restoring stability. The bombings also raised questions about the effectiveness of the country’s intelligence services, which had reportedly received advance warnings about potential attacks but failed to act on them adequately. This tragic incident not only affected Sri Lanka but resonated globally, leading to discussions on security policies and religious tolerance.