Sri Lanka arrests ex-spy chief for ‘abetting’ 2019 Easter bombings
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 25, 2026
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Sri Lankan authorities have made a significant breakthrough in their investigation into the 2019 Easter bombings by arresting the country's former intelligence chief, Suresh Sallay, on charges of conspiracy and aiding the attack. The bombings, which occurred on Easter Sunday and killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners, targeted luxury hotels and churches across the island nation. A coordinated effort involving suicide bombers linked to a homegrown jihadist group carried out the attacks, which were later claimed by Islamic State.
The arrest of Sallay, who served as the head of Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Service until his dismissal in 2024, comes after a whistleblower alleged that he permitted the attack to influence the outcome of the 2019 presidential election in favor of current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. This claim has added a layer of political intrigue to an already complex case, as Sallay was promoted shortly after Rajapaksa's victory and played a key role in counterterrorism efforts.
Investigations have revealed that the jihadist group was initially funded by a military intelligence unit, with Sallay involved in funneling resources to propagate extremist ideologies. This involvement has led to questions about whether higher-ups within the government were complicit or negligent in failing to prevent the attack, as well as why warnings from Indian intelligence agencies about an imminent threat were ignored.
The case has significant implications for Sri Lanka's justice system and its ability to address past failures in preventing such atrocities. The Catholic Church, which has been vocal in demanding accountability for the victims, welcomed the arrest as a step toward uncovering the truth behind the bombings. However, many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding foreign involvement and the broader security lapses that allowed the attack to occur.
The Easter bombings were the deadliest in Sri Lanka's history, leaving over 5
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026