🚨 CID Probe: Ex-SIS Chief Alleged to Have Facilitated Easter Attacks

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala disclosed significant new findings in Parliament regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks investigation: • Key Allegations: Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay is suspected of conspiring to create conditions that enabled the suicide bombings. Investigations suggest he had prior knowledge, directed Islamic extremists, and obstructed critical information. • New Evidence: CID probes reveal a covert operation 3 weeks before the bombings where four individuals allegedly gathered intelligence on Negombo Catholic churches under Sallay’s direction. • Ignored Warnings: Prior warnings about National Thowheed Jama’ath (NTJ) extremists from an informant were allegedly ignored within military intelligence, and the informant was subsequently unlawfully detained. • Investigation Status: Sallay is currently detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as the third accused. The Minister noted Sallay is not cooperating, refusing to provide passwords for his phone and laptop. • Detainee Welfare: The Ministry confirms all human rights safeguards are being met. The Colombo Fort Magistrate has inspected the facility, and no complaints of mistreatment were made. Sallay's hunger strike reportedly began only after a June 3, 2026, court order imposed overseas travel bans on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two military officers.