Reliable government sources have indicated that a former President may be arrested as a suspect in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks, intensifying scrutiny around a case that continues to reverberate through Sri Lanka’s political and security establishment. The claim, though not formally confirmed by investigators, has injected renewed volatility into an already sensitive investigation that has long carried national and international attention.
The development gained momentum after Deputy Minister in charge of Police Sunil Watagala, speaking on a private television channel, stated that what he described as the mastermind of the Easter attacks would be arrested either today or tomorrow. He further alleged that the individual under investigation has operated under multiple identities, claiming there are five known aliases linked to the suspect. Among those names, he specifically referred to “Sonic” as one of the identities used. Watagala added that while additional intelligence had been received in relation to the investigation, it would not be disclosed at this stage, citing concerns that premature exposure could compromise ongoing investigative work.
His remarks have added a new layer of anticipation around the direction of the probe, particularly as authorities continue to withhold formal identification of the individual referred to in connection with the alleged mastermind role. The absence of official confirmation has left room for political interpretation, further amplifying tensions between competing narratives emerging from government and opposition ranks.
The political response was swift. Samagi Jana Balawegaya Member of Parliament S.M. Marikkar stated that if individuals such as former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sallay are to be arrested, then former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa should also be taken into custody in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks. He argued that the current government came to power on a pledge to identify and punish those responsible for orchestrating the bombings and must therefore proceed with action consistent with that commitment. His comments reflect broader opposition pressure on the administration to demonstrate visible progress in what remains one of the country’s most consequential criminal investigations.
As political debate intensified, parallel scrutiny was unfolding within Sri Lanka’s human rights oversight framework, where detention conditions and allegations of mistreatment have come under examination.
A team of officials from the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (SLHRC) conducted inspections of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) cells where former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sallay and other suspects are being held. During these visits, officials observed general deficiencies in the detention facilities, including limited ventilation and minimal living conditions available to detainees.
Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission Commissioner Attorney Nimal G. Punchihewa confirmed that an investigation had been initiated following a complaint alleging that Sallay had been subjected to cruel treatment. He stated that statements were recorded from senior CID officials as well as from Sallay himself as part of the inquiry. The Commission also extended its review to the Colombo National Hospital, where Sallay was admitted after falling ill following a hunger strike.
Hospital sources indicate that Sallay continues to receive medical treatment following his admission. The Human Rights Commission has sought clarification from hospital authorities regarding the nature of care being provided, while CID officials have been summoned to appear before the Commission next week for further questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Separately, the Commission addressed speculation surrounding a possible unannounced inspection by a team from the United Nations Human Rights Commission into CID detention facilities. Commissioner Punchihewa stated that no official communication had been received confirming such a visit, neither verifying nor substantiating the circulating reports.
Under instructions from the Commission’s leadership, further inquiries into Sallay’s detention conditions and medical treatment are continuing, with authorities reviewing both institutional procedures and the circumstances surrounding his recent health condition.
Meanwhile, political developments in parliament added another layer to the widening debate on accountability, justice, and post-conflict governance.
National People’s Power Vanni District Member of Parliament M. Jagatheeswaran responded to an editorial published in the Jaffna-based “Murasu” newspaper, outlining the government’s position on national reconciliation, justice delivery, and institutional reform. He stated that during the one and a half years since the government assumed office, steps had been taken to address corruption, recover public funds, and resolve long-standing cases, while promoting ethnic and religious harmony.
He further said that the judiciary is functioning independently and that ongoing reforms are aimed at strengthening public trust in state institutions. According to him, the government is also working to stabilize the economy while addressing the pressures faced by the population, framing these efforts as part of a broader national rebuilding process.
Turning to the Easter Sunday attacks investigation, Jagatheeswaran stated that the probe is being conducted without political interference and suggested that emerging findings have indicated involvement of individuals linked to previous administrations. He added that opposition parties, including Tamil nationalist groups, have remained silent or are attempting to obstruct aspects of the investigation, characterizing such actions as politically motivated resistance to accountability efforts.
He also addressed the broader issue of post-war justice, stating that reconciliation must proceed gradually and that complex national challenges cannot be resolved in a short period. Referencing the suffering experienced during the conflict in Mullivaikkal, he said that justice for war-affected communities remains an essential objective and that fair legal processes must be established in a manner acceptable to all communities.
Jagatheeswaran emphasized that the government, formed with support from Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, is committed to maintaining public trust and ensuring that justice processes proceed in a structured manner. He argued that fair trials would help prevent renewed cycles of violence and reiterated confidence in the government’s long-term political stability and mandate.
