Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, the former Head of Sri Lanka’s State Intelligence Service (SIS), was arrested this morning (25) by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), police confirmed.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Deputy Inspector General of Police Jaliya Senaratne stated that Sallay, who is in custody under PTA provisions, can be detained for 72 hours for questioning. 

Sallay’s arrest is related to ongoing investigations into the April 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which targeted churches and hotels across Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 273 fatalities.

The attack was carried out through coordinated suicide bombings by a group of Islamic extremists led by Zahran Hashim.

The CID apprehended Sallay in Peliyagoda during early morning operations.

Following his arrest, investigations have been intensified amid public and political scrutiny, especially after allegations aired in a Channel 4 documentary suggesting that Sallay may have discussed plans to create instability to facilitate political gains.

The bombings prompted multiple investigations, including parliamentary and presidential inquiries, leading to indictments against 25 accused individuals linked to the terror group. The trial is ongoing before the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar.

Amidst allegations of political interference and ongoing investigations, authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the attacks, with the CID informing the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court of a confidential inquiry into the events.