Strong Evidence Against Former Intelligence Chief Suresh Sallay in Easter Sunday Attacks Probe, Minister Tells Parliament

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament on Wednesday that investigators have uncovered strong evidence linking former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General Suresh Sallay to activities related to the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

Addressing Parliament, the Minister stated that evidence obtained during ongoing investigations indicates that Sallay allegedly played a role in directing extremist individuals connected to the attacks.

Intelligence Gathering at Targeted Churches

According to the Minister, investigations have revealed that approximately three weeks before the Easter Sunday attacks, four Muslim individuals were allegedly sent to churches that were later targeted in the bombings to collect information.

Authorities have reportedly confirmed that intelligence gathering activities took place at several churches, particularly in Negombo, one of the locations severely affected by the attacks.

Key Suspect Identified

The Minister further stated that a witness has identified the main suspect involved in gathering information from the churches. Investigators have reportedly established links between the identified individual and the Islamic State (ISIS) extremist group.

Authorities believe the suspect went into hiding following the attacks and remains a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Prior Warning Allegedly Ignored

Wijepala also revealed that an intelligence informant from the Panadura area had reportedly warned military intelligence officials in advance about the possibility of an Easter Sunday attack.

However, according to the Minister, the warning was allegedly ignored by military intelligence personnel. The informant was subsequently detained for an extended period under questionable circumstances before being released.

The Minister further claimed that after the informant’s release, Suresh Sallay allegedly met him at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo and apologized to him.

Claims by Azad Maulana

The Public Security Minister stated that information provided by whistleblower Azad Maulana to Channel 4 has been corroborated by evidence gathered during investigations.

According to the findings presented in Parliament, investigators believe that Sallay played a role in creating the operational environment that facilitated the attacks.

Arrest Under PTA

The Minister said the allegations against Sallay include actions that allegedly threatened national security, contributed to the loss of lives, damaged the country’s economy, and intensified ethnic tensions.

He further claimed that important information relating to the attacks was allegedly concealed both before and after the bombings.

Based on the findings of the investigation, Suresh Sallay has been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), according to the Minister.

Investigation Continues

Authorities have stated that investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks and the alleged involvement of various individuals are ongoing. Further legal proceedings are expected as investigators continue to examine evidence and witness testimonies related to the case.