What Happened
Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested retired Major-General Suresh Sallay on February 25 in connection with the 2019 Easter bombings that resulted in the deaths of 279 individuals. The arrest occurred in Colombo under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), although specific charges have yet to be disclosed, according to a police spokesman.
Why It Matters
The Easter attacks, which took place on April 21, 2019, targeted three churches and three hotels, marking one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Sri Lanka’s history. Sallay, who was appointed to lead the State Intelligence Service in late 2019, has previously denied allegations linking him to the bombers, which suggested he allowed the attacks to influence the presidential election in favor of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The current President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has committed to prosecuting those responsible for the attacks.
What’s Next
Sallay is expected to be presented in court as the investigation continues. The CID is awaiting further instructions regarding specific charges. This development may lead to renewed discussions about accountability and justice for the victims of the Easter bombings.