Sallay was arrested over Easter attack based on evidence: Police

 Police refrained from detailing the specific nature of evidence 

Amid mounting pressure and criticism over the arrest of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, Police yesterday said that the arrest was carried out based on sufficient evidence linking the former intelligence chief to the Easter Sunday attacks.   

Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said that Sallay was taken into custody early yesterday morning in Peliyagoda by a team of officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He was arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, is to be detained for 72 hours for questioning.   

Following the arrest, Western Province Senior DIG Sajeewa Medawatte addressed the media to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the former SIS chief. The arrest has sparked significant public interest due to the high-ranking nature of the official involved and his role during the period of the tragedy.   

Senior DIG Sajeewa Medawatte said that the arrest was made based on evidence uncovered in relation to the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks.   

While he refrained from detailing the specific nature of the evidence at this early stage, he said that the decision was a direct result of ongoing investigations conducted by the CID and findings from previous commissions of inquiry.   

Addressing questions regarding the timing and the potential for a “political campaign” behind the arrest, the Senior DIG said that the police are simply performing their duty to ensure national security.   

He further said that information regarding the alleged mastermind of the Easter attacks could emerge during the ongoing interrogations of the retired Major General.   

The Senior DIG requested patience from the media and the public, stating that the suspect was arrested early in the yesterday morning and is currently being questioned under detention orders. He said that more details regarding the specific charges and the progress of the interrogation would be shared in the coming days as the legal process unfolds.   

Responding to criticism over the arrest without immediate disclosure of details, he said that if the arrest had not been made, there would have been criticism against the police for failing to act.   

Meanwhile, Police Legal Division DIG Jaliya Senaratne, who also addressed the media, explained that under the PTA, a suspect can be detained for up to three days upon arrest.   

He said that based on evidence, police may seek a detention order as provided for under the law.