What Happened
Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested retired Major-General Suresh Sallay on February 25 in connection with the 2019 Easter bombings that resulted in the deaths of 279 individuals. The arrest took place in Colombo under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, although specific charges have not yet been disclosed, according to a police spokesman.
Why It Matters
The Easter attacks, which occurred on April 21, 2019, targeted three churches and three hotels, marking one of the deadliest incidents in Sri Lanka’s recent history. Sallay, who was appointed to lead the State Intelligence Service in late 2019, has faced allegations of having links to the bombers and allowing the attacks to proceed to influence the presidential election in favor of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The current President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has committed to prosecuting those responsible for the attacks, making this arrest a significant step in addressing past injustices.
What’s Next
As investigations continue, Sallay is expected to be presented in court, where further details regarding the charges may be revealed. The outcome of this case could have implications for Sri Lanka’s political landscape and its approach to national security, especially as the new administration seeks to restore public trust in governance and accountability.
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