“Suresh Sale had prior knowledge of Easter attacks” – Minister Ananda Wijepala

13-Apr-2026

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Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala stated in Parliament that former CID Director Suresh Sale had prior knowledge of Islamic extremism and the Easter Sunday attacks but failed to act.

Speaking during the adjournment debate on the Easter Sunday bombings held on April 9, he alleged that Sale had indirectly assisted those responsible and withheld critical information.

He said investigations had revealed that the attacks were part of a planned conspiracy dating back to 2017, executed by Zaharan and his group, while also suggesting external support and coordination.

The Minister stated that while sensitive details could not be disclosed due to ongoing court proceedings, the truth would be revealed in due course.

He further said that a series of related incidents between 2018 and 2019, including killings, explosions, and arrests involving explosives, were part of the same network and were under investigation.

He also referred to the arrest of Sarath Samantha under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in connection with obstruction of investigations, and ongoing court proceedings related to the Easter attacks.

Wijepala further claimed that former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe had not properly pursued investigations, alleging that key officers were transferred and foreign travel restrictions were imposed on investigators, hampering probes.

He added that some suspects had been arrested and released in earlier investigations, and that misdirection of inquiries had occurred.

He also stated that Suresh Sale had been arrested under anti-terrorism laws for aiding and abetting the attacks and that legal proceedings were underway.