Sri Lanka detains former intelligence chief over Easter bombings

The Sri Lankan government has detained former intelligence chief, retired Army Major General Suresh Sallay, for a period of 90 days as part of an investigation into the deadly Easter bombings that occurred in April 2019. The decision was made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under the stringent Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which allows for extended detentions without charge. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the bombings that claimed hundreds of lives and injured many others. The investigation has been fraught with controversy, as it highlights issues of accountability and governance in the aftermath of the attacks. The Sri Lankan government has faced criticism for its handling of the incident, and the detention of Sallay is seen as an attempt to address public demands for justice and transparency. The Easter bombings were linked to extremist groups, raising concerns about national security and the effectiveness of the intelligence apparatus in the country. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how this action will impact the broader discourse on terrorism and security in Sri Lanka.