Sri Lanka arrests ex-intelligence chief over 2019 Easter bombings
Sri Lanka's former intelligence chief, Major General Suresh Sallay, has been arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The arrest is considered a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the coordinated attacks that killed 279 people and injured hundreds more.
Key Highlights
- Former intelligence chief Major General Suresh Sallay arrested.
- Arrest linked to 2019 Easter Sunday bombings investigation.
- Sallay accused of conspiracy and aiding and abetting attacks.
- New developments in the nearly seven-year-old case.
- Arrest made under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Sri Lanka's former intelligence chief, Major General Suresh Sallay, was arrested on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in connection with the deadly 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. The arrest, made by the Criminal Investigation Department under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, is being hailed as a major breakthrough in the investigation that has spanned nearly seven years. Police have stated that Sallay is accused of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the attacks. The coordinated bombings, which occurred on April 21, 2019, targeted luxury hotels and churches across Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of approximately 279 people, including 45 foreigners, and injuring hundreds more. This marks the first high-profile arrest in the case since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office in 2024, fulfilling a key pre-poll pledge to secure justice for the victims. Sallay, who led Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Service (SIS) at the time of the attacks, had previously denied allegations of his involvement. However, recent reports, including a 2023 broadcast by Channel 4, have suggested links between Sallay and the Islamist bombers, with claims that he met them prior to the attacks. A whistleblower has also alleged that Sallay permitted the attacks to proceed with the intention of influencing the 2019 presidential election in favor of then-candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa subsequently won the election. The investigation into the 2019 bombings has been complex and lengthy, involving over 23,000 charges and 25 accused individuals in the Special Trial-at-Bar. Earlier investigations had highlighted security lapses and the government's failure to act on intelligence warnings, even from an Indian intelligence agency. In 2023, Sri Lanka's Supreme Court held former President Maithripala Sirisena and four senior officials responsible for failing to prevent the attacks, ordering them to pay compensation to victims' relatives. The arrest of Suresh Sallay is seen as a significant step in uncovering the full truth behind the deadliest terror attack in Sri Lanka since the end of its civil war in 2009. The case continues to be heard under tight security. The implications of Sallay's arrest are being closely watched, as they suggest the investigation may extend beyond the immediate perpetrators to encompass broader conspiracies.
This news is specific to Sri Lanka.
News Category: Crime, Politics, National Security.
Credibility Score: 9/10 (The Hindu is a reputable news source, and the story is corroborated by multiple international news agencies.)
Importance Score: 8/10 (The 2019 Easter bombings were a major event with significant national and international repercussions, impacting tourism and security.)
ContentType: News Investigation.
Urgency: High (This is a developing story with significant implications for justice and national security in Sri Lanka.)
Published Date: 2026-02-25T00:00:00Z
Is Trending: True
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Major General Suresh Sallay?
Major General Suresh Sallay is the former chief of Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Service (SIS) and has been arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
What are the allegations against Suresh Sallay?
Sallay is accused of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. There are also reports and whistleblower claims suggesting he may have had prior knowledge of the attacks and potentially allowed them to proceed to influence the 2019 presidential election.
When did the 2019 Easter bombings occur?
The coordinated bombings took place on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, targeting churches and hotels across Sri Lanka.
What was the impact of the 2019 Easter bombings?
The attacks killed approximately 279 people, including 45 foreigners, and injured hundreds more. They also severely impacted Sri Lanka's tourism industry and national security.
What is the significance of this arrest?
This is considered a major breakthrough in the long-running investigation into the deadliest terror attack in Sri Lanka since the end of its civil war. It is the first high-profile arrest in the case since the current president took office.
