Posted: 28 February 2026, Saturday at 10:46 am | Dubai | Edited: 28 Feb 2026, Saturday at 11:43 am
The long-running investigation into the Sri Lanka Easter bombings has taken a dramatic turn. Former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay has been arrested over alleged links to the devastating 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings that killed 279 people and injured more than 500.
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The 2019 Sri Lanka Easter Bombings: What Happened?
Overview: A coordinated terror attack that shocked the world and changed Sri Lanka forever.
On April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday turned into one of the darkest days in Sri Lanka’s history.
The Sri Lanka Easter bombing perpetrators carried out six near-simultaneous suicide blasts targeting churches and luxury hotels. Here’s what unfolded that morning:
- Three churches targeted
- St. Anthony’s Shrine (Colombo)
- St. Sebastian’s Church (Negombo)
- Zion Church (Batticaloa)
- Three luxury hotels were bombed
- Shangri-La Hotel
- Cinnamon Grand
- Kingsbury Hotel
The coordinated Sri Lanka Easter attacks killed:
- 279 people
- 45 foreign nationals
- 5 US citizens
- Over 500 injured
The attacks were initially blamed on a local jihadist group. The Islamic State later claimed responsibility, though investigators said they found no direct foreign operational link.
The bombings crippled Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Who Is Suresh Sallay?
Overview: He is a powerful intelligence figure now at the centre of controversy.
Suresh Sallay is a retired Major General who served as head of Sri Lanka’s State Intelligence Service (SIS).
Here’s a quick background:
- Promoted to SIS chief in 2019
- Appointed after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president
- Previously served in military intelligence
- Denied all allegations of involvement in the bombings
His arrest marks the most high-profile development in the investigation into the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings.
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Why Was Suresh Sallay Arrested?
Overview: Authorities allege conspiracy and aiding the attackers.
According to investigators, Sallay was arrested on charges of:
- Conspiracy
- Aiding and abetting the Easter Sunday attackers
- Maintaining contact with individuals involved in the attacks
In 2023, British broadcaster Channel 4 aired a report claiming Sallay had met with some of the attackers before the bombings. A whistleblower alleged that the attacks were allowed to proceed to influence the 2019 presidential election.
Two days after the bombings, Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared his candidacy and later won in a landslide.
Sallay has consistently denied any involvement in the Sri Lanka Easter bombing perpetrators’ plans.
Political Fallout and Supreme Court Findings
Overview: Multiple officials were found negligent for failing to prevent the tragedy.
The case has exposed serious lapses within the government.
Key developments include:
- Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court found former president Maithripala Sirisena negligent.
- Senior intelligence and police officials were also held responsible.
- Sirisena was ordered to pay compensation to the victims.
- Investigations revealed authorities ignored warnings from Indian intelligence about an imminent attack.
The United Nations has urged Sri Lanka to release previously withheld inquiry reports to ensure transparency.
When Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the 2024 election, he pledged to pursue prosecutions related to the Sri Lanka Easter attacks. Sallay was dismissed after this leadership change.
The Church and Victims Demand Justice
Overview: Families and religious leaders continue their fight for truth.
The Catholic Church has been one of the strongest voices demanding accountability.
Church representatives have repeatedly stated:
- The masterminds behind the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings must be identified.
- Justice should extend beyond the suicide attackers.
- Political interference in investigations must end.
Seven years later, families of victims are still seeking clarity about who enabled the tragedy.
FAQs
1. What were the Sri Lanka Easter bombings?
The Sri Lanka Easter bombings were coordinated suicide attacks on April 21, 2019, targeting churches and luxury hotels, killing 279 people.
2. Who were the Sri Lanka Easter bombing perpetrators?
The attacks were blamed on a local jihadist group. However, investigations continue into possible broader involvement.
3. Why was Suresh Sallay arrested?
He was arrested on charges of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the Sri Lanka Easter attacks.
4. Did the Islamic State claim responsibility?
Yes, the Islamic State claimed responsibility, but investigators said they found no direct operational link.
5. Has anyone been convicted?
Several suspects were indicted, but investigations into higher-level responsibility are ongoing.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka Easter bombings remain one of the deadliest terror attacks in the country’s modern history. With the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, the investigation enters a critical phase. Whether this arrest leads to full accountability in the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings case now depends on transparent legal proceedings and political will.
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