Sri Lanka's ex-spy chief arrested on suspicion of aiding Easter bombings that killed 279
On February 25, 2026 Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigation Department arrested retired Major General Suresh Sallay, former head of the State Intelligence Service, on suspicion of conspiracy and aiding and abetting the April 21, 2019 Easter attacks that killed 279 people. Sallay denies the accusations. Al Jazeera notes a 2023 Supreme Court ruling found former President Maithripala Sirisena and four senior officials failed to prevent the bombings. In June 2026 a Colombo magistrate directed the CID to report on Sallay's mental health after his lawyers cited medical reports.
Sri Lanka's criminal investigators arrested the country's former intelligence chief on Wednesday
arrested for conspiracy and aiding and abetting the Easter Sunday attacks
Sources state that Suresh Sallay has been arrested on charges of aiding and abetting the attacks. In addition, he might be charged with conspiracy to carry out the Easter Sunday attacks, which is considered a very serious offence.
directing it to present information on the health condition of former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sallay, who is being held under detention orders in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.
Not yet contacted for this story.
Through his lawyer Shaveendra Fernando PC, Sallay said Maulana's statement is untested hearsay, Maulana faces a warrant in France, and Channel 4 lacks credibility.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena ordered the National Hospital director to report on Sallay's health; the CID said Sallay was being held under a third 90-day detention order obtained in the investigation. Source ↗
At the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris submitted a progress report telling the court that Suresh Sallay acted as the 'mastermind and contractor' of the Easter Sunday attacks, citing statements by Azad Maulana. Source ↗