Man Questioned Over Sri Lanka Easter Bombings Seeks Asylum in UK — Case to Be Reheard

A Sri Lankan man who was previously questioned over the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings has appealed for asylum in the United Kingdom, claiming he fears persecution if he returns home. The attacks, which killed 269 people including six Britons, targeted luxury hotels and churches across Sri Lanka.

The individual—whose identity remains protected by the court—was arrested in Sri Lanka in January 2022 and later released on bail. He left the country in September that year and applied for asylum shortly after arriving in the UK. According to tribunal statements, police officers have continued to visit his family home, which he says puts him at risk if repatriated. He denies involvement in the bombings.

His asylum request was initially rejected by the Home Office, but he later won an appeal at the upper immigration tribunal. Due to errors identified in the previous ruling, the case will now undergo a complete rehearing to reassess evidence and credibility of claims.

Background — Easter Bombings

The Easter Sunday attacks on April 21, 2019, were carried out by eight suicide bombers associated with the Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jama’ath. Among the foreign victims were six Britons, including Anita Nicholson and her two children who died at the Shangri-La Hotel. Others, including Lorraine Campbell and couple Bill Harrop and Dr Sally Bradley, also lost their lives.

UK Immigration Reforms

The case unfolds as the UK government prepares major asylum reforms announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Changes include temporary refugee status, faster deportation processes, and reduced ability to challenge removal under human rights laws.

While the government maintains its rejection of the asylum request, the final decision now rests with a rehearing in the first-tier tribunal.