Sri Lanka’s law enforcement has apprehended former intelligence chief, Major-General Suresh Sallay, in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. This coordinated series of attacks resulted in the deaths of 279 individuals and inflicted serious damage on the nation’s tourism sector.
Suresh Sallay Arrested
Sallay was arrested early Wednesday morning in a suburb of Colombo. Authorities have accused him of conspiracy and aiding the attackers responsible for the bombings. Despite the allegations, Sallay has firmly denied any involvement.
The Easter Sunday Attacks
The tragic incidents occurred on April 21, 2019, during religious services and at luxury hotels, targeting both local worshippers and foreign guests. In total, nearly 500 people sustained injuries, with 45 foreign nationals among the deceased. The ramifications of these attacks drastically impacted Sri Lanka’s vital tourism industry.
Investigative Findings
- Six simultaneous suicide bombings targeted three churches and three hotels.
- Initial investigations attributed responsibility to a local militant group.
- Reports from British broadcaster Channel 4 in 2023 indicated Sallay’s possible links to the attackers.
- A whistleblower claimed Sallay permitted the attacks to influence the presidential elections.
Political Consequences
In the wake of the attacks, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who became president shortly thereafter, vowed to eradicate violence and was elected in November 2019. Sallay was subsequently appointed as head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS). However, following the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake in 2024, Sallay was dismissed.
Judicial Actions and Accountability
Ongoing investigations have scrutinized the government’s failure to act on warnings regarding the imminent attacks from Indian intelligence agencies. In 2023, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled that former President Maithripala Sirisena and four senior officials were negligent in preventing the bombings. Sirisena was ordered to pay 100 million rupees (approximately $273,300) to victims’ families, while other officials faced additional financial penalties amounting to 210 million rupees ($574,000).
The United Nations has urged Sri Lanka to release previously withheld details from inquiries related to the bombings, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
