What Happened

On February 25, 2026, Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested retired Major-General Suresh Sallay, the former intelligence chief, in connection with the 2019 Easter bombings that resulted in the deaths of 279 individuals. The arrest took place in Colombo under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). A police spokesman indicated that Sallay would be presented in court, although specific charges have not yet been disclosed.

Why It Matters

The Easter bombings, which occurred on April 21, 2019, targeted three churches and three hotels, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Sri Lanka’s history. Sallay, who was appointed to lead the State Intelligence Service in late 2019, has faced allegations of negligence and complicity regarding the attacks, particularly in light of claims that he allowed the bombings to influence the presidential election in favor of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The current President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the attacks, making this arrest a significant step in addressing past injustices.

What’s Next

The legal proceedings against Sallay will be closely monitored as they unfold, potentially leading to further investigations into the intelligence failures surrounding the Easter bombings. The outcome may also influence public perception of the current administration’s commitment to justice and accountability in Sri Lanka.

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