Former Sri Lankan Intelligence Chief Arrested Over 2019 Easter Bombings: What You Need to Know

In a significant development, Suresh Sally, the former chief of Sri Lanka's state intelligence service, has been arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter bombings that claimed 270 lives. The arrest occurred in Peliyagoda as he was heading to work at a non-governmental organization. The bombings, which targeted churches and hotels, raised questions about the government's prior knowledge of the attacks. The current administration has reopened investigations into the incident, citing previous political interference. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 13:29 IST

Arrest of Suresh Sally in Connection with Easter Bombings

Colombo: The former head of Sri Lanka's state intelligence service, Suresh Sally, was taken into custody on Wednesday in relation to the devastating Easter bombings of 2019, as reported by police sources.

Sally was apprehended by the Crime Investigation Department in Peliyagoda, a suburb of Colombo, while he was en route to his job at a non-profit organization.

This arrest is directly tied to the tragic events of Easter Sunday in 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 270 individuals, including 11 from India, during attacks on churches and luxury hotels in Colombo.

At the time of the bombings, Sally was serving in a diplomatic role abroad. He is a retired Major General who previously led the state intelligence service under the Rajapaksa administration until 2015.

The coordinated attacks were executed by a local extremist group, and there were claims that the defense sector had received prior warnings about the attacks, including alerts from India, but failed to take appropriate action.

The government at that time, headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, faced criticism for its inaction despite receiving intelligence from India.

In late 2024, the current National People's Power (NPP) government reopened investigations into the Easter attacks, citing that political interference had previously led to a cover-up.

An official statement from the police regarding the arrest is still pending.