On Wednesday, Sri Lankan police reported the arrest of retired Major General Suresh Sallay in the Colombo suburb, marking a significant development in the long-running investigation into the devastating 2019 Easter bombings. Sallay has been charged with conspiracy and complicity in organizing the attacks, which targeted three luxury hotels, two Catholic churches, and one evangelical Protestant church, resulting in a tragic loss of life and widespread condemnation. Reports indicate that he maintained connections with individuals involved in these attacks, even recently.

The bombings, executed by a local jihadist group, shocked the nation and raised concerns over security lapses, intelligence failures, and the state’s response. The Catholic Church, which has been actively seeking justice for the victims and their families, welcomed the news of Sallay's arrest as a step forward in their quest for the truth. Church representatives emphasized the need for continued efforts to uncover the facts surrounding the Easter attacks, seeking accountability not just for the physical acts of violence, but also for the systemic failures that allowed such atrocities to occur.

This arrest comes amidst ongoing scrutiny over the government’s handling of security threats in the aftermath of the bombings, with heightened calls for transparency and reforms within the intelligence community. As the investigation deepens, many hope that such actions will lead to greater accountability and justice for the victims, as well as ensure enhanced protections against future threats in Sri Lanka, a nation still healing from the scars of this tragic event.