Sarath Wijesinghe President’s Counsel

‘Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday Massacre’ authored by Prof. Rohan Gunaratna stands as a remarkable and unparalleled masterpiece that distinguishes itself on numerous counts. Foremost among its merits is the author’s profound erudition and exhaustive research on the subject, an expertise honed since the composition of his preceding work, ‘Lost Revolution.’ This scholarly background not only highlights the author’s prowess but also cements his credibility as a preeminent authority on the subjects of global terrorism and insurgencies.

Commendable is the book’s lucidity and simplicity, enabling readers from all strata of life to apprehend the calamitous events that transpired on that fateful Easter Sunday of 2019. Prof. Gunaratna’s counsel-like tone imparts a sense of responsibility throughout the book, illuminating that this work is not a mere academic exercise but rather a call to action for governance and society at large. The meticulously detailed chronicle of events furnished within these pages proves to be an invaluable resource for researchers, imparting a keen and precise comprehension of the subject matter. His extensive research and contacts with various terrorist groups worldwide further enrich the content, rendering it indispensable for those in pursuit of a comprehensive grasp of the global ramifications of such atrocities.

The book’s preface sets the stage for an exhaustive analysis of the worldwide impact of the Easter Sunday attacks on Sri Lanka. It delves into vital facets such as foreign policy, tourism, and development, accentuating the catastrophic repercussions of the incident on the nation’s tranquility and stability. Prof. Gunaratna’s address at the book launch, wherein he expounded upon the historical antecedents of events and presented preventive guidance, exemplifies his dedication to steering both Sri Lanka and the global community towards fortification against future threats.

The Easter Sunday massacre rent asunder Sri Lanka’s reputation as one of the safest havens globally, painstakingly earned after decades of conflict. Prof. Gunaratna eloquently exposes the government’s inertia, ineffectiveness, and disregard, which played a crucial role in the tragedy. His impassioned narrative renders the book accessible and emotionally engaging for readers of all persuasions. Given the profound significance of this book in dispensing invaluable lessons to both the government and society, we recommend its translation it into different languages, including both Sinhala and Tamil, amongst others. Such an endeavor would enable its message to reach a broader readership, and its insights to be assimilated and applied at all echelons of society and pertinent institutions.

portrayal, both horrifying and exquisitely depicted, casts a glaring light on the misguided aspirations and intentions that drive such heinous acts, beckoning the reader to contemplate upon their profound implications.

Chapter 1 of ‘Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday Massacre’ lays bare a harrowing chronicle, dissecting the very anatomy of the tragic attack, and presenting a meticulous dissection of the targeted killings perpetrated at sacred churches. Prof. Gunaratna’s inquiry delves to the depths of the attackers’ motivations, revealing that these malevolent acts were retribution borne out of major massacres, primarily the heart-wrenching events in Christchurch, New Zealand. This crucial connection saliently underscores the far-reaching impact of terrorism and the intricate interconnections that bind such incidents across disparate regions. Chapter 2, a gripping exposition on the life and demise of Zahran Hashim, lends further intensity to the book’s narrative. The revelations concerning Hashim’s actions and ideologies are at once astounding and disquieting, illuminating the distressing factors that steer individuals towards paths of violence and terror.

Yet, we believe it is Chapter 4 that emerges as the linchpin of this literary oeuvre, presenting an indispensable section that demands earnest contemplation from society, governance, and the global community alike. Prof. Gunaratna’s assiduous research serves as a beacon, beseeching readers to fathom the far-reaching ramifications of terrorism and take proactive measures to forestall such heartrending tragedies in the days to come.

Notwithstanding the abhorrent nature of the events laid bare within its pages, ‘Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday Massacre’ assumes an invaluable stance as a distinctive account that scrutinizes the past while fervently advocating for a brighter future. The book resounds with a universal message, stressing the urgency of harnessing Prof. Gunaratna’s research to forge a world that is safer and more felicitous, not solely for Sri Lanka, but for all of humanity. The global reverberations of such incidents on physical and psychological well-being, on tranquility and harmony, are monumental, accentuating the imperativeness of collective action to combat terrorism and its concomitant ills.

Commendation is due to Prof. Gunaratna’s unyielding dedication to research, and the resulting creation of this momentous work. ‘Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday Massacre’ stands as an indomitable repository, compelling us all to confront the scourge of terrorism and its intricate implications for Sri Lanka and the broader global stage. The book thus implores readers to assimilate the lessons of yore and to build a safer and more peaceful future for all.

– Sarath Wijesinghe President’s Counsel (LLM International Law (UCL)), former Ambassador to UAE and Israel, President of the Ambassador’s Forum, Solicitor England and Wales, and Suchithra Withanage (LLM (UK) (LLM (UK) MBA (UK | Reading) LLB (Hons) (UK)) Dipl. In Law (UK)