Why Were Christians Targeted in the Easter 2019 Bombings in Sri Lanka?

The 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka were a series of coordinated explosions that killed over 250 people and wounded more than 500, targeting Christian churches and hotels. This tragic event has been extensively discussed and debated in the media, but the motive behind these attacks still remains contentious. Let's explore the historical context and motivations behind the targeting of Christians during this significant festival.

Historical Context and Political Manipulation

The backdrop of the 2019 attacks on Easter Sunday is a complex mixture of political and religious tension. Following the civil war in Sri Lanka, which ended in 2009, President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his cabinet led a regime that utilized religious fervor to maintain power. In 2019, Rajapaksa's government orchestrated the Easter bombings to serve a political agenda.

Political Control and Power Struggles

According to Channel 4, the Easter bombs were part of a conspiracy by Rajapaksha to discredit and eventually return to power. The LTTE had been defeated, but a new threat emerged in the form of jihadists. The corrupt leadership exploited this vulnerability to create a new crisis, which could be manipulated for political gain. However, despite repeated calls for a thorough investigation, Sri Lanka has shown a pattern of non-action, which raises questions about official intentions.

Corruption and Impunity

The impunity that characterizes Sri Lankan politics is pronounced. Unlike in other nations, where such incidents would trigger a robust investigation, Sri Lanka continues to perpetuate a cycle of corruption and injustice. It is a nation where the ruling elite often evade accountability, and the rule of law is often compromised.

Targeting of Minorities

The targeted attacks on minority communities during religious festivals reflect a broader pattern in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese-majority government has historically employed strategies to keep minority communities under surveillance and control. The bombing of Christian churches on Easter Sunday was a glaring example of the government's attempts to sow discord and further polarize the population.

Motivations of ISIS and Local Extremists

From a global perspective, ISIS targeted Christians in Sri Lanka during Easter Sunday due to their strategic vulnerabilities. The targeting of Christians aligns with ISIS's strategy to exploit religious divisions and target communities that are seen as more vulnerable or less prepared to resist.

Justification from a Religious Standpoint

It is important to note that neither Islam nor Christianity are inherently violent. In fact, religious texts like the Holy Qur’an and the Bible both emphasize the value of human life. The Qur'an states in Surah Al-Maa'idah, verse 53: 'Whosoever killeth a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoso saveth the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind'.

ISIS and Sinhala Buddhists

ISIS chose to target Christians, including Western-affiliated ones, due to their geographical and numerical advantages. If the local ISIS operatives had targeted Sinhala Buddhists, who form the majority, it would have resulted in severe backlash and a potential military response from the government. Hence, the local ISIS members targeted the more vulnerable and helpless Christian community.

Conclusion

The 2019 Easter bombings were a tragic reminder of the dangers of political manipulation and religious extremism. While the global community condemned the attacks, the situation in Sri Lanka remains complex and multifaceted. Addressing the root causes of such incidents requires a thorough investigation, accountability, and a commitment to human rights and religious harmony.

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