Colombo, Sri Lanka — In a major development in one of Sri Lanka’s longest-running terror investigations, the country’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested retired Major-General Suresh Sallay, the former head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people and injured hundreds more.
Police detained Sallay at dawn on Wednesday in a Colombo suburb under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Authorities said he will be held for questioning for up to 72 hours as part of a continuing probe into alleged “conspiracy and aiding and abetting” related to the attacks.
Background of the 2019 Attacks
On April 21, 2019, coordinated suicide bombings struck three churches and three luxury hotels across Sri Lanka during Easter Sunday services and breakfast, in what remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the country’s history. The blasts killed 279 people — including dozens of foreign nationals — and wounded more than 500, dealing a severe blow to Sri Lanka’s vital tourism industry.
Originally blamed on a local militant group linked to the Islamic State, the attacks later drew scrutiny over whether state intelligence lapses or failures contributed to their success.
Allegations and Controversy
Sallay, a retired Major-General respected for his role in Sri Lanka’s post–civil war intelligence work, was appointed SIS chief in late 2019 by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
However, media investigations, including a 2023 documentary by British broadcaster Channel 4, have suggested that Sallay had contacts with some of the bombers in the period before the attacks and may have permitted the plot to proceed — allegations he rejects. Critics say these issues were not fully investigated under previous governments, prompting renewed scrutiny after political change in 2024.
Reactions and Next Steps
The arrest has drawn mixed reactions:
The Catholic Church, representing many victims’ families, hailed the move as a sign that justice may finally advance after years of stalled inquiries.
Political figures have criticised the arrest, calling it potentially politicised or premature.
Sallay’s detention marks the most high-profile arrest linked to the Easter bombings since the attack. Investigators say further details and charges may emerge as the CID continues its inquiry and prepares the case for court proceedings.
