Sri Lanka arrests ex-intel chief over 2019 Easter bombings

Suresh Sallay, the former head of Sri Lanka's intelligence agency, has been arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 260 people. Investigators allege that Sallay had prior interactions with the Islamist militants responsible for the attacks, raising questions about lapses in security and intelligence leading up to the tragedy. The bombings, which targeted churches and luxury hotels, were claimed by the local extremist group National Thowheed Jama'ath (NTJ) and were one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Sri Lanka's history. The arrest of Sallay comes as part of a broader investigation into the failures of the country’s security apparatus, which has faced criticism for not preventing the attacks despite prior warnings. The Sri Lankan government has since vowed to hold accountable those who neglected their duties, aiming to reassure the public of its commitment to national security and justice. This development could have significant implications for Sri Lanka's political landscape, especially in the context of ongoing discussions about security reforms and accountability in the wake of the bombings.