Hundreds of Sri Lankans Rally in Paris Demanding Justice for 2019 Easter Sunday Victims
PARIS, France – June 28, 2025 Hundreds of Sri Lankans living in France gathered peacefully on Saturday at the historic Place de la République in central Paris, calling for justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka and urging authorities not to interfere with the ongoing criminal investigations.
The peaceful demonstration united members of the Sri Lankan community from across France, regardless of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity. Participants carried flowers and candles in memory of the 269 people who lost their lives and hundreds more who were injured in the coordinated terrorist bombings that struck churches and luxury hotels across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.
The central message of the rally was clear:
“Justice for the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. Do not hinder the investigations. Punish those responsible regardless of their rank or position.”
Call for Independent Investigations
Speakers and participants stressed that justice must be delivered through an independent legal process free from political influence or intimidation.
The protesters called on the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that investigators, prosecutors, and the judiciary are allowed to continue their work without obstruction. Demonstrators also urged that every individual responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks—whether direct perpetrators or those who may have facilitated or failed to prevent the attacks—be held accountable under the law.
The rally highlighted growing concerns within the Sri Lankan diaspora over attempts to undermine or discredit officials involved in the ongoing investigations.
Place de la République: A Symbol of Democracy
The demonstration took place at Place de la République, one of Paris’ most iconic public squares and a historic symbol of democracy, freedom, and civic participation in France.
At the centre of the square stands the Monument to the Republic, crowned by the bronze statue of Marianne, the national personification of the French Republic. The monument represents the values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity and has become a traditional gathering place for national commemorations, human rights campaigns, solidarity rallies, and public demonstrations.
Following major national and international events, Place de la République has frequently served as the heart of peaceful civic expression in France, making it a powerful location for the Sri Lankan community to voice its call for justice.
Remembering the Victims
Throughout the demonstration, participants observed moments of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Easter Sunday attacks. Organizers encouraged attendees to bring flowers and candles as symbols of remembrance and solidarity with the victims’ families and survivors.
Many participants emphasized that justice remains essential not only for the victims and their families but also for hundreds of survivors who continue to live with lifelong physical and psychological trauma.
A Unified Voice from the Sri Lankan expatriate community
Organizers described the event as a non-partisan humanitarian initiative focused solely on seeking truth, accountability, and justice.
The peaceful gathering concluded with renewed appeals for the Sri Lankan government to protect the independence of the investigative and judicial process and to ensure that justice is delivered without fear, favour, or political interference.
More than six years after one of Sri Lanka’s deadliest terrorist attacks, the message from Paris remained unequivocal:
Justice for the victims. Protect the investigations. Hold every person responsible accountable, regardless of rank or position.
By Asia News Desk – Editor Hyder Ali
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