This research paper was commissioned by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation as part of its project: Empowering Youth-led initiatives in Preventing Violent Extremism (EMPOWER).

Research Question

How do social and economic exclusion impact the vulnerability of youth from families of the detainees of the Easter Sunday Attack in the Eastern Province, particularly in relation to social discrimination and susceptibility to violent extremist ideologies, and what interventions can address these challenges?

1.0 Introduction to S.L. Reconciliation Movement (SLRM) and its Easter
Attack Survivors Project (EASP)

The Easter Sunday Attack left a profound scar on Sri Lanka, deepening community suspicion, mistrust, and racism.

The attack, which claimed 269 lives—including 45 foreign nationals, 3 police officers, and 9 suicide bombers—and injured over 500, was a coordinated act of terrorism targeting Catholics, Christians, and hotel guests at 8 locations across Colombo and Batticaloa. In response, the Easter Attack Survivors Project (EASP) emerged.

An initiative of the S.L. Reconciliation Movement (registered under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007), the EASP advocates for reconciliation through storytelling.

The project uses personal narratives to raise awareness, promote positive change in the post-attack context, and foster a sense of community among survivors by sharing their stories.

Having interviewed direct victims of the attack who lost their loved ones, the team has learned that victims are not only those that are labelled so. Victims also include others.

Various indirect victims and survivors exist, including children and innocent family members of perpetrators and detainees.

The SLRM team has also worked with several survivor categories and have produced work on the following:

• The Survivors Speak: 2021; a video series of stories from the Katuwapitiya survivors
• Foreign Survivors Speak: 2021; discussions and videos with foreign survivors
• The Other Side: 2023; a video series of stories from the wives and mothers of the detainees in the eastern province of Sri Lanka
• Interfaith discussions on the Easter Sunday attack: 2022; a collaboration with the Medical Faculty of UOC resulting in the Human Library discussion on the Easter Sunday attack consequences
• Workshops for educational institutions: 2021-2023; Combatting extremism and violent extremism in the post-Easter attack context
• In Their Memory: A one-day Memorial in honor of the victims and survivors of the Easter Sunday attack; 2024

To read more about the organization and its work visit the website links at S.L. Reconciliation Movement and its project the Easter Attack Survivors Project.

1.1 About the Authors

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2.0 Research Methodology

Following the Easter Sunday terror attack in 2019, Sri Lankan law enforcement agencies—including the Sri Lankan Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Terrorist Investigation Department, and State Intelligence Service—identified the perpetrators as Zahran Hashim, Noufer Moulavi, Jameel Lateef, and others influenced by radical religious doctrine and Islamic State (IS) ideology.

Due to the large scale of deaths caused by this terror attack and the involvement of foreign nationals amongst the dead and the injured, the INTERPOL, Australian Federal Police, New Scotland Yard and other foreign law enforcement authorities participated in the investigations.

The S.L. Reconciliation Movement (SLRM) has been actively engaged in understanding the post-attack landscape and its impact on the families of the detainees. Our research draws on a combination of qualitative interviews, consultations with experts, and fieldwork conducted by the SLRM team.

The key sources and methods of data collection include:

• Qualitative Interviews:
  • We conducted in-depth interviews with the wives and mothers of detainees and ex-detainees as part of our 2023 video series titled “The Other Side.” These interviews provide first-hand insights into the social and economic exclusion faced by these families, especially the youth.
• Expert Consultations:
  • Consultations with experts in security and post-conflict rehabilitation provided critical perspectives on radicalization, social reintegration, and community dynamics. Notable experts we consulted with multiple times, include:
    • Prof. Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies and author of “The Easter Sunday Massacre: Lessons for the International Community” published by Penguin
    • Asif Fuard, Defense Analyst and lecturer at the Kotelawala Defense University
    • Aneesa Firthous, Founder of IWARE (Islamic Women’s Association for Research and Empowerment), which provides legal aid to families of detainees
    • Major General Dharshana Hettiarachchi, Commissioner General of Rehabilitation in Sri Lanka.
    • Mr. Jawahir and Attorney-at-Law Uwise, community leaders in Kattankudy and founders of the Harmony Centre initiative in Kattankudy
    • A.B.M Firthouse, Community leader and Head of School Al Manar College, Kattankudy
• Participation in National-Level Discussions on Detainees and Their Families:
  • The SLRM team participated in several high-level discussions and consultations concerning the detainees of the Easter Sunday Attack, including:
    • Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security (2023)
    • Institute of National Security Studies (2021-2022)
    • Defense Services Command and Staff College (2021-2024)
    • Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs (2021)
• Access to Confidential Material on Detainees:
  • The research also benefited from exclusive access to confidential transcripts of interviews with the detainees, conducted by key experts:
    • Transcripts of interviews with the detainees: Dinithi Dharmapala, Psychologist who interviewed detainees under detention
    • Transcripts of interviews with the detainees: Prof. Rohan Gunaratna, Professor of Security Studies and author of “The Easter Sunday Massacre: Lessons for the International Community” published by Penguin

The research team—comprising Lughadarini Yogarajah, Nahdiya Nasoordeen, and Aamina Muhsin—analyzed the collected data using thematic analysis.

Themes such as social stigmatization, vulnerability to radicalization, and barriers to reintegration were identified, particularly in the context of youth from these families.

The analysis focused on understanding how social and economic exclusion has exacerbated these vulnerabilities and what can be done to facilitate better social reintegration for these individuals.

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03: The Problem Statement: Addressing the Marginalization of Youth
from Detainee Families Post-Easter Sunday Attack

The problem surrounding the youth accused of involvement in the planning of the Easter attack in Sri Lanka is complex and multi-layered, with profound implications for the individuals themselves, their families, and society at large.

Many of these young people, some of whom were detained and later released, continue to face stigma, isolation, and limited opportunities for reintegration.

The root causes of their marginalization lie in several interconnected factors.

1. First, the pervasive climate of fear and suspicion following the attack has led to an environment where these individuals, regardless of their legal status, are often perceived as guilty by association not only in relation to people from outside their community, but people from within their communities, as well.
2. Second, seemingly systemic flaws in law enforcement and the judicial process such as lengthy detentions without charges or trials have contributed to the social and psychological trauma experienced by the detainees, youth and their families.
3. Additionally, the stigma surrounding rehabilitation, the questioning of rehabilitation (due to point #2 listed above) and the subsequent lack of adequate rehabilitation and support mechanisms further exacerbates their disenfranchisement, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, radicalization, and further marginalization.

The families of these youth also bear the brunt of this social exclusion, grappling with emotional and financial strain, as well as community ostracization, which perpetuates a cycle of mistrust and division within Sri Lankan society.

Addressing this problem requires not only legal and social reforms but also a broader societal effort to foster empathy, understanding, and reconciliation.

The issue surrounding the youth accused of involvement in the planning of the Easter attack in Sri Lanka, particularly those detained and later released, is deeply rooted in social, legal, and psychological challenges.

At the heart of the problem is the absence of a comprehensive reintegration framework, leaving these youth and their families in limbo, with limited access to support systems that could help them rebuild their lives.

Without proper rehabilitation, these individuals remain at risk of being further marginalized, potentially feeding into cycles of resentment and division.

Moreover, the broader social impact extends to deepening societal fractures, where mistrust and fear prevent genuine reconciliation and recovery from the trauma of the Easter Sunday attack.

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4.0 Our Interviews: Hearing The Families of the Detainees

Qualitative research plays a crucial role in understanding complex social issues, particularly in the realms of peacebuilding and reconciliation. Story-sharing interviews offer a profound method for capturing the nuanced experiences and emotions of individuals affected by conflict.

This approach is especially significant when examining the perspectives of women whose husbands or sons had been detained under allegations of aiding terrorism.

Such experiences often remain hidden within broader narratives of violence and injustice, yet they are vital for fostering empathy and understanding.

We conducted in-depth interviews with the wives and mothers of detainees and ex-detainees as part of our 2023 video series titled “The Other Side.” These interviews provide first-hand insights into the social and economic exclusion faced by these families, especially the youth.

The stories of these women reveal not only their personal struggles but also the wider societal implications of conflict and its aftermath. By amplifying their voices, qualitative research can illuminate the intersecting themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for justice.

These interviews serve as powerful tools for peacebuilding, providing insights that can inform reconciliation efforts and community healing.

In exploring the emotional landscapes shaped by trauma and stigma, this research emphasizes the need for inclusive dialogue and understanding as foundational elements in the pursuit of lasting peace.

Through their stories, we can better grasp the complexities of human experience in conflict and, ultimately, work towards a more harmonious future.

The women in our stories continuously assert the innocence of their detained family members. However, conversations with other experts have revealed that they are disingenuous.

At this juncture, the SLRM team has maintained its focus not on the validity of these allegations, but on the profound struggles faced by these families.

A critical observation is that all the interviewed women experienced societal ostracism, as their communities distanced themselves from families associated with terrorism allegations.

Some members of their society while believing the innocence of the detained feared any association could lead to their own arrest, while others, despite skepticism about the allegations, also hesitated to engage due to the pervasive stigma.

This duality of belief and fear among the community members underscores the complex social dynamics at play and highlights the emotional and psychological weight on the detainees’ families.

These women in our stories, previously confined to traditional homemaker roles – cooking, cleaning, and managing their children’s education while the men provided financially – faced a significant transformation after the arrests.

These women were thrust into new responsibilities, not only maintaining their existing duties but also seeking employment in unfamiliar environments and navigating complex court and police procedure.

For those who rarely ventured outside of their homes for anything beyond their homemaker needs and who had limited interactions with men, this shift imposed a dual burden.

They were now required to balance their traditional roles with the demands of their new life, managing independently amidst societal pressures.

During our interviews, we were also informed of another struggle these women were facing – that of welcoming their returning husbands’ home after detention.

Some of these women had transformed following the trials and tribulations of life post the Easter Sunday attack and their spouse’s detention. They had learned to survive on their own and feed their children. Once in-need of assistance from their husbands, these women had learned to live without them.

Therefore, providing a supportive home environment to the returning husband was proving to be hard. Some of these marriages ultimately led to divorce, while some continue to still hold out, despite concerns about thriving together.

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5.0 Our Recommendations

The SLRM team’s recommendations are based on the experiences shared by the families of the detainees. Post-arrest, the detainees have endured significant psychological trauma based on the allegations of the arrest and their claimed assault/violence by the authorities.

This has led to changed personalities which has an effect on the family’s day to day lives. This distress has been compounded by difficulties in securing employment post release as-well.

Family members also experience profound psychological distress, with some grappling suicidal thoughts. The stigma attached to their situation has led to widespread ostracism, resulting in minimal social integration and support.

Children of detainee’s face bullying and struggle to form friendships. Many presume that immigrating is the only solution to find peace.

Although the women express that they engage with other religious and ethnic communities, the need for increased outreach is necessary to mitigate stigma for everyone involved in their community.

Additionally providing financial aid or tools for skill-building for these women is crucial, enabling them to pursue better job prospects and regain a sense of agency within their communities.

SLRM has identified 5 key components as recommendation to promote social cohesion which involves: 1) Women’s empowerment though skill development, 2) Clinical and psychological services, 3) Education programs, and 4) Interfaith programs and 5) Community engagement programs.

1. Women’s empowerment though skills development

One of SLRM’s initial observation as mentioned above is that of the traditional home-maker role in their community. Empowering women through skill-building, equips them with the tools they need to improve their economic status, independence and participate more fully in society.

The women from the families of the detainees faced significant challenges in finding work following the arrests. Lacking the necessary skills and experience, they struggled to secure employment, which exacerbated their difficulties in supporting their families.

One of the interviewees even claimed that the advantage of her having the knowledge of the ‘Sinhala language’ finally secured a teaching job at a school.

“I talked with the principal about my problems and asked him whether he was able to assist me. Then he asked what sort of assistance he could give me. I told him that, since his school didn’t have anyone to teach the Sinhala language, I could teach it. The principal told me that he would discuss the matter with SDS and give me an answer within the coming week.” – extract from an interview.

“I made string hoppers and sold them for a while. Since the kids are small, I struggled” extract from the interview.” – extract from an interview

Thus, this lack of financial stability not only intensified their burden but also affected their ability to provide for their children’s basic needs, education and overall well-being.

The intersection of stigma associated with their families’ situations and limited access to job opportunities creates a cycle of hardship that further marginalizes these women, highlighting their urgent need for targeted support and skill-building initiatives to empower them in their roles as primary caregivers.

2. Clinical and psychological services

The released detainees have endured significant trauma during their detention, with many reporting physical abuse and drastic change in their personalities upon release.

Their families observe that these individuals often lack motivation and exhibit signs of depression, which further complicates their reintegration into society and work-force.

“Before he went to jail, he was doing a course. He was good at studies. I have a liking for him to be able to move on from this. But he is still in that mind. He must be in a good mind to study. He himself cried and said so. Now he doesn’t sleep. He takes tablets. He has problems with food. He is always thinking “What will they do?”. We are always in worry and undergoing these struggle” – extract from the interview.

Similarly, family members of the detainees experience profound psychological distress. The sudden shift in their roles after the arrest of their families places an immense stress on them, as they navigate new responsibilities without the support they once relied upon.

The added layer of social ostracism – where family and friends withdraw their support – intensifies their isolation and trauma.

Many wives narrated struggling to get their husbands to engage with their children, who anxiously waited for their father’s release for years; however upon release the father does not seem to be interested in playing a role in their kids’ upbringing due to being tormented by worries himself.

“If my husband starts to feel discouraged it becomes an added burden to me. So, I try to comfort him.” extract from the interview. – extract from interview.

“Some people looked at us differently. Some Muslims were too afraid to talk to us. Those who were good to us earlier, scolded us”. extract from the interview.

Given these circumstances, it is crucial to provide comprehensive psychological and clinical support for both the released detainees and their families, including the youth and the children of detainees.

Access to mental health services, including counseling and trauma-informed care, can help address the psychological wounds they carry.

3. Trauma-Informed Educational Programs

A comprehensive education program is essential for schools in the area (Eastern province) to prevent stigmatization. Many children of detainees are unfairly labeled and bullied as supporters of terrorism.

These children often experience bullying in isolation, leading to feelings of insecurity and reluctance to attend school. To address these issues, schools should promote understanding, empathy and inclusivity.

Such programs could include anti-bullying campaigns, awareness workshops, and activities that encourages students to engage with diverse perspectives. Educators should receive training on trauma-informed practices to better support affected students.

Additionally, creating safe spaces for open dialogue can help normalize discussions about stigma and its effects, fostering a more compassionate school environment.

“After my husband was arrested, it affected my children more than it affected me. My eldest son stopped going to school because fellow students were calling him the son of an IS (Islamic State) fighter and that his father went to set off bombs. My son would come home and cry”. – extract from the interview.

“She wasn’t eating properly and was always crying. She didn’t want to go to school. I even took her to see a counsellor”. – extract from the interview.

Therefore, implementing a strong educational initiative is crucial to promote understanding and reduce prejudice, thereby removing the strain on a large group of children in the community.

4. Interfaith programs

Interfaith programs are essential for fostering social integration and reducing stigma, particularly in communities affected by the detention of family members.

Many women report limited engagement with other faiths (possibly due the language barrier and the local community in that areas predominantly being of one faith), which can perpetuate biases and misunderstandings.

By implementing interfaith initiatives that bring together diverse religious communities, participants can engage in dialogue, share experiences, and build mutual understanding.

Such programs can include joint community service projects, cultural exchange events, and educational workshops focused on promoting empathy and respect among different faiths.

Encouraging collaboration among various religious groups not only helps to dismantle prejudiced thoughts but also creates a supportive network that can uplift marginalized families.

“Yes. Because they didn’t have teachers to teach Sinhala. Therefore, the children only knew Tamil. One of the main reasons that compelled me to teach Sinhala was, because I felt that, the cause for most of these issues were the unawareness of other religions and races”. – extract from the interview.

“Do you think that, if there were people from other religions living in Kattankudy, then something like this would not have happened?” (Question)

“Yes definitely. Like I said earlier, if everybody socialized with one another, this would never have happened.” extract from the interview.

Ultimately, these interfaith initiatives can enhance community cohesion, foster resilience, and contribute to a more inclusive society, benefiting all participants and promoting healing in the wake of trauma.

5. Community engagement programs

Community engagement programs are crucial in areas like Kathankudy, where many have been detained and the community faces stigmatization as a result. The labeling of the area as a “terrorist zone” has led to a reluctance among residents to associate with released detainees and their families, further isolating them and hindering their ability to reintegrate into society.

To address this, effective community engagement initiatives must be developed. These programs could focus on promoting dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among community members.

Activities such as community forums, workshops on empathy and inclusion, and collaborative projects that involve both detainees’ families and other residents can help bridge gaps and foster relationships.

“After the arrest he had to stop going to work. After taking a Rs.25,000 loan he started a business at home to sell fish. But when people hear that he was released from prison, they don’t want to buy. We can’t live like this. Sometimes we wonder what is better; living or dying.” – extract from the interview.

“Initially they thought that the Muslims are all the same. That this is a part of a conspiracy. Muslims are all not like this. Only Zahran’s cult must be blamed.” – extract from the interview.

“Some people looked at us differently. Some Muslims were too afraid to talk to us. Those who were good to us earlier, scolded us.” – extract from the interview.

“Before and even now, some people send help, but not directly. They send through others, concealing their identity. Some just keep things at the door and go. They fear they will be investigated for helping us.” – extract from the interview.

By creating an environment where open communication is encouraged, and community members can come together to support one another without fear, the stigma associated with past events can be diminished.

This approach not only aids in the reintegration of released detainees but also strengthens community bonds, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and united society.

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Final note by the Authors

When implementing support programs in sensitive contexts, such as those involving the youth from families of detainees from the Easter Sunday attack, it is crucial to engage closely with local community leaders who have built trust and access within these communities.

Organizations such as IWARE (Islamic Women’s Association for Research and Empowerment) and the Federation of Kathankudy Mosques and Muslim Institutions play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between external support initiatives and the families, ensuring that interventions are culturally appropriate and responsive to the specific needs of those affected.

Without the guidance and insight of these local leaders, well-intentioned programs risk missing the nuances of community dynamics, potentially exacerbating stigmatization or alienating those they aim to help.

History shows that similar efforts have gone awry when local contexts were overlooked. For example, in certain post-war initiatives in Sri Lanka following the LTTE conflict provided financial support to ex-combatants, but these efforts unintentionally deepened resentment within their communities and obstructed reintegration.

These individuals were seen as beneficiaries of aid despite their role in a conflict that caused significant personal loss to others, complicating their reintegration. Similarly, in Afghanistan post 2001, aid aimed at rebuilding communities often fell into the wrong hands or failed to address local power structures, ultimately undermining counter-insurgency efforts.

To avoid repeating such mistakes, it is vital that any programs targeting the reintegration of detainees and their families be developed in close collaboration with trusted local entities that understand the social, religious, and cultural complexities of the region.

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