Retired Major General Suresh Sallay, the former chief of Sri Lanka’s State Intelligence Service (SIS), was arrested yesterday morning by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the devastating 2019 Easter Sunday attacks that claimed 279 lives and injured over 500 others. The arrest, which took place at dawn in a suburb of Colombo, marks a significant development in the long-running investigation into one of the country’s deadliest terrorist incidents.
Sallay has been detained for 72 hours under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for initial questioning, with authorities citing evidence uncovered during extensive probes. Investigators allege that he was involved in conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the coordinated suicide bombings carried out by Islamist extremists on April 21, 2019, targeting churches and luxury hotels during Easter services. A senior investigating officer revealed that Sallay had been in touch with individuals linked to the attacks even recently, emphasizing the importance of his interrogation for uncovering the full truth behind the tragedy.
During a special media briefing at the Police Media Division yesterday, senior police officials addressed the arrest and provided updates on the investigation. Senior DIG Sajeewa Medawatte, in charge of the Western Province, stated that the detention was based on crucial evidence gathered so far and that questioning Sallay could reveal key details about the real masterminds. “This arrest is a critical step in advancing the Easter attacks probe,” he said, adding that failing to act would have warranted public criticism against the police.
DIG Jaliya Senaratne, head of the Legal Directorate, clarified the legal framework, noting that the PTA allows for a 72-hour detention period for suspects. He explained that, depending on revelations from the initial interrogation, authorities may seek extended custody through the courts. Senaratne assured that all procedures are being followed in line with the law.
Responding to questions about social media backlash and accusations of a targeted campaign against the police, Medawatte defended the action: “Some claim this is an attack on law enforcement, but the reality is that not arresting him would have sparked outrage. The police have fulfilled their duty properly.”
Senior officers at the briefing emphasized that full details cannot be disclosed at this stage to avoid compromising the ongoing investigations, but promised future updates to the public as appropriate. The arrest has drawn significant attention in political and security circles, especially given past allegations against Sallay featured in a 2023 Channel 4 documentary, which implicated high-ranking officials in the attacks. Sallay, who was appointed SIS director in late 2019 by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has denied any involvement.
This move under the current government is seen as a decisive push to expedite the Easter investigations, which have faced criticism for delays and alleged cover-ups. Victims’ families and civil society groups have long called for accountability, and this high-profile arrest could provide much-needed closure while addressing lingering questions about intelligence failures leading up to the bombings. Authorities have not yet commented on potential charges beyond the initial detention, but the case is expected to proceed to court soon.
