Former Sri Lankan Intelligence Chief Arrested Over 2019 Easter Bombings: What’s Next?

Arrest of Suresh Sallay in Connection with Easter Attacks

Colombo: The former head of Sri Lanka's state intelligence, Suresh Sallay, was taken into custody on Wednesday in relation to the devastating Easter bombings of 2019 that resulted in 270 fatalities, according to police reports.

Sallay, who is a retired Major General, will be held for 72 hours for interrogation under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, as stated by Sanjeewa Madawatta, a senior deputy inspector general.

The tragic bombings on Easter Sunday claimed the lives of 270 individuals, including several Indians, at luxury hotels in Colombo.

Sallay was in charge of the state intelligence service during the administration of Mahinda Rajapaksa before 2015. His arrest follows ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, Madawatta confirmed.

Authorities plan to conduct thorough inquiries following his detention, with further details expected to be disclosed later.

Police believe that his interrogation may uncover the identity of the mastermind behind the suicide bombings that targeted churches and high-end hotels.

The attacks were reportedly executed by a local extremist group, which allegedly had prior knowledge of the situation that was not acted upon by the local defense authorities.

The previous government, led by President Maithripala Sirisena, faced criticism for failing to prevent the attacks despite receiving intelligence from India.

At the time of the bombings, Sallay was serving in a diplomatic role abroad.

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