Sri Lanka's authorities have arrested the former head of the country's intelligence service, Major General Suresh Sallay, during an early morning operation in Colombo. His arrest is the most significant development in the ongoing investigation into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreign nationals. Law enforcement officials have indicated that Sallay is being charged with conspiracy and aiding those responsible for the attacks, which targeted various churches and hotels across the nation.

The bombings, which were carried out on April 21, 2019, by a local jihadist group, were among the deadliest acts of terrorism in Sri Lanka's history. The attacks ignited widespread condemnation and a quest for accountability that has persisted for years. The arrest of the former spy chief comes after accusations that intelligence failures contributed significantly to the inability to prevent the attacks, leading to public outcry and demands for justice.

The Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, which has been particularly vocal about pursuing justice for the victims, has responded positively to Sallay's arrest. Their ongoing campaign reflects ongoing tensions surrounding accountability in the aftermath of the bombings. While this arrest may represent a step toward justice for the victims and their families, it raises questions about the broader implications for governance and the effectiveness of Sri Lanka's security apparatus in preventing future terrorist acts.