Who was arrested in Sri Lanka in connection with the 2019 Easter bombings?

Suresh Salley, the country's former intelligence chief and a retired army major general, was arrested.

What happened on Easter Sunday 2019 in Sri Lanka?

Two Islamist groups carried out six near-simultaneous suicide bomb attacks on churches and tourist hotels, killing about 270 people.

What is the investigation into Suresh Salley concerning?

The Criminal Investigation Department is investigating possible links or lapses by Salley in connection with the 2019 attacks.

Home / Crime and Justice / Ex-Spy Chief Arrested in Sri Lanka Bombings

Ex-Spy Chief Arrested in Sri Lanka Bombings

25 Feb

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Summary

Former intelligence chief arrested for 2019 suicide attacks.
Attacks targeted churches and hotels, killing nearly 270.
Investigation probes links and lapses concerning the ex-chief.

Ex-Spy Chief Arrested in Sri Lanka Bombings

Police in Sri Lanka have arrested Suresh Salley, a retired army major general and the country's former intelligence chief, in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks. The coordinated assaults on April 21, 2019, targeted churches and prominent tourist hotels, claiming the lives of approximately 270 people. Videos released by the perpetrators showed them pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group, which is believed to have inspired the attacks.

The Criminal Investigation Department is currently investigating potential links or lapses on Salley's part concerning the deadly bombings. Allegations that the attackers had connections to Sri Lanka's state intelligence surfaced following the incident. A 2023 interview with Channel 4 featured a man who claimed to have arranged a meeting between Salley and the local group National Thowheed Jamath, reportedly to create insecurity and influence an upcoming presidential election.

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