The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (25) arrested former State Intelligence Service (SIS) head, retired Major General Suresh Sallay, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, but has thus far remained tight-lipped about the charges being leveled against the former SIS Chief.
A special CID team carried out the arrest under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act in the early hours of yesterday in Peliyagoda and is now held in detention for 72 hours.
Sri Lanka Police later confirmed that former SIS Chief, Sallay, was arrested in connection with clear evidence obtained via ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler told a media briefing that Sallay was arrested in the Peliyagoda Police Division.
“The arrest was made based on clear evidence obtained through the outcomes of the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks. He will be handed over to the CID for further investigations,” he said.
The Police Spokesman added that the public and media will be briefed on the future course of action and investigation in due course.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Legal Division, Jaliya Senaratne, said that since Sallay was arrested under the provisions of the PTA, he can, upon arrest, be held for 72 hours (three days) for questioning.
“Thereafter, based on the evidence, steps can be taken to obtain a detention order, and that legal provisions exist for this purpose,” he added.
The Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province, Sajeewa Medawatte, also addressing the same press conference, stated that Sallay was arrested based on evidence related to the 2019 Easter Attacks bombings. Medawatte further mentioned that a lengthy investigation needs to be conducted in this regard and that more information will be revealed in due course.
He also noted that it is difficult to disclose further information within a few hours and emphasised that the Police have carried out their duties properly. Responding to journalists’ questions about allegations that a campaign has been launched against the Police for arresting Sallay without properly disclosing the reason, he stated that if the arrest had not been made, there would have been a campaign against the Police for failing to act. Medawatte further said that during future interrogations of Sallay, information about the mastermind behind the 2019 Easter attacks may be uncovered.
Despite questioning by the media, Police officers at the media briefing have said that the charges against Sallay will not be revealed at the moment and will only be disclosed upon completion of the inquiry against him.
Meanwhile, former Minister Ali Sabry has cautioned that “national security institutions must never be undermined for political gain”, following Sallay’s arrest.
In a statement on social media, Ali Sabry said that the arrest of Major General Suresh Sallay, an officer widely associated with the dismantling of the LTTE’s intelligence network, intelligence operations that led to the targeting of senior leadership, including Tamilchelvan, and efforts connected to the apprehension of KP, raises serious concerns about the direction in which national discourse is heading.
He pointed out that these were officers who once placed their lives on the line to protect the nation during its most dangerous years.
“Today, many feel that those same individuals are being drawn into a political battlefield shaped less by evidence and more by competing narratives. Accountability under the law is essential in any democracy, but it must be pursued with fairness, restraint, and respect for institutional integrity,” he said.
The former minister further noted that the Easter Sunday tragedy deserved a professional, evidence-based inquiry focused on justice for victims and national security.
“Instead, what we increasingly witness is the transformation of a complex investigation into a public spectacle. International cooperation, including the extensive involvement of the FBI and U.S. authorities, has already taken place with investigations, prosecutions, and assistance provided. When even external partners indicate that further probes may not yield meaningful new outcomes, continuing to weaponise the issue for partisan gain risks damaging Sri Lanka’s credibility and long-term security interests,” he said.
Sabry further pointed out that national security institutions cannot become collateral damage in political contests, stating, “Undermining officers who once safeguarded the country may offer temporary political advantage, but it weakens morale within the armed forces and sends a troubling signal to those tasked with protecting the nation.”
“Sri Lanka must pursue truth and justice, but through law, evidence, and responsible leadership, not through theatrics designed to mislead or divide. History will judge not only those who served in difficult times, but also those who chose to politicise matters that demanded unity and maturity,” he added.
Also weighing in on Sallay’s arrest, Sarwajana Balaya Leader MP Dilith Jayaweera condemned Sallay’s arrest and 72-hour detention, alleging that the move appeared politically motivated.
In a statement posted on X, Jayaweera said he “strongly condemned” the arrest and detention carried out under the pretext of questioning Sallay in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Describing Sallay as a “distinguished and highly capable military officer,” Jayaweera said the retired Major General had contributed significantly to ending three decades of terrorism in Sri Lanka.
“To subject such an officer to what appears to be politically motivated action raises serious concerns about fairness, intent, and the misuse of State power,” he said.
Jayaweera further warned that if the move was driven by “narrow political objectives rather than credible evidence,” it would undermine justice and “gravely damage the morale of our armed forces.”
“The men and women who risk their lives to protect this Nation must not become targets of political expediency,” he added.
He also stressed that justice must be “transparent, impartial, and free from manipulation,” cautioning that “anything less will leave a lasting stain on those responsible.”
Leave a comment