Former Sri Lankan Intelligence Chief Detained for 90 Days in 2019 Easter Bombing Probe

Kathmandu. A significant turn has occurred in the investigation of the 2019 Easter bombing case, which resulted in 279 deaths and injured around 500 people. A former Sri Lankan intelligence chief has been granted permission to be held in custody for 90 days for questioning as part of the investigation into the devastating attack. This move signals that the probe into the incident, long shrouded in controversy and questions, is heading in a new direction.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe signed the detention order allowing retired Major General Suresh Salle to be held for an additional 90 days following an initial three-day period, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

According to the police spokesperson, the President signed the order late last night. The PTA allows the police to hold a suspect for an extended period without filing charges and without judicial review, and individuals detained under this act cannot be granted bail by the courts.

Officials from the Criminal Investigation Department arrested Salle on Wednesday. He is considered the highest-ranking official arrested so far in the long-running investigation into the bombings. The investigation team stated they are preparing to question him extensively regarding the role of the security apparatus before the incident, intelligence sharing, and potential negligence.

On April 21, 2019, nine suicide bombers carried out coordinated attacks targeting two Roman Catholic churches, one Evangelical Protestant church, and three luxury hotels. Among the deceased were 45 foreign nationals. The attack is considered one of the bloodiest incidents in Sri Lanka's recent history.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticized Salle's arrest as an act of political vendetta, labeling it a politically motivated campaign and demanding an impartial investigation. However, the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, which has been campaigning for justice for the victims, welcomed the arrest. The Church stated that the investigation must proceed without political interference.

The Church had previously accused former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of influencing the police investigation into the bombings after he came to power. Rajapaksa, a retired army officer, announced his candidacy two days after the attack and won the presidential election in November on a commitment to eradicate Islamist extremism.

With the new arrest, expectations that the truth behind the Easter bombing will be uncovered have strengthened again. Victim families and the general public have long demanded impartial investigation and accountability, and the current step is seen as an attempt to address those demands.