A church in Sri Lanka was targeted by gunfire just days before the country marks the sixth anniversary of the deadly 2019 Easter bombings.
The incident occurred on Friday evening in Manampitiya, a town located about 160 kilometers northeast of Colombo.
Authorities said a lone gunman fired at the church, damaging windows but causing no injuries. The suspect was quickly arrested. Early investigations point to a personal dispute between the gunman and the church pastor as the motive, rather than a broader threat.
The attack comes at a time of heightened tension across the country. Security forces, including armed police and military personnel, have been deployed to safeguard churches throughout Sri Lanka during the Easter period. The precaution follows the memory of a devastating wave of coordinated suicide bombings on Easter Sunday in 2019, which left 279 people dead and over 500 injured.
That attack targeted three churches and three luxury hotels, and remains one of the deadliest days in the nation’s history. The victims included 45 foreigners, and the bombings were blamed on a local extremist group with alleged links to international terror networks.
Since then, Sri Lanka’s Catholic community has consistently demanded accountability. Church leaders have criticized both past and present governments, accusing them of shielding those responsible and failing to deliver justice. Multiple investigations have raised questions about possible involvement by elements within the country’s military intelligence services.
As the anniversary approaches, the Catholic Church plans to honor the victims by declaring them “Heroes of the Faith” during a special commemoration ceremony on Monday. The gesture is intended to remember those lost while continuing to call for transparency and justice.
The recent shooting has reignited concerns about religious safety in Sri Lanka, especially during major Christian observances. Authorities say they are taking no chances, promising a visible and forceful security presence at all church services in the coming days.