Suresh Sale was Gotabaya’s right-hand man, says Fonseka
13-Jun-2026.
Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said that Suresh Sale functioned as a close confidant and chief adviser to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Therefore, he firmly believes that they were involved in the background of the Easter Sunday attacks.
Fonseka made these remarks after appearing before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, where he was summoned to provide a statement regarding a large quantity of gold and assets allegedly taken into custody from Kumaran Pathmanathan, the former international coordinator of the LTTE, following his arrest in 2009.
Speaking to the media after giving evidence, Fonseka said investigations aimed at identifying the main mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks are now being carried out intensively.
He noted that he had raised suspicions in Parliament four years ago about Suresh Sale’s possible involvement in the attacks and continues to maintain the same position. According to him, Sale had a very close relationship with Zahran Hashim.
Fonseka alleged that Sale was the person who began providing financial support to Zahran. During the war period, Zahran had no connection with the military, he said. He further claimed that Gotabaya Rajapaksa was the person who benefited most politically from Zahran’s activities.
“Suresh Sale acted as Gotabaya’s right-hand man and chief adviser. That is why I strongly believe they were involved in the background of the attacks,” he said.
Fonseka also stated that investigations were delayed due to changes in governments and repeated attempts to suppress the issue. He said the Good Governance Government failed to handle the matter properly, while the Gotabaya administration completely covered it up.
Commenting on protests held following Sale’s arrest, Fonseka questioned why similar protests were not held when 35 military officers, including generals, brigadiers and colonels, were removed from service without reason.
Referring to claims that Sale is being treated unfairly in custody, Fonseka said that when he was detained without charges, he was kept in a small room for months and only his wife was allowed to visit once a day. In contrast, Sale’s family members have been granted visitation rights.
He added that people under arrest must face the legal process and cannot expect VIP treatment.
Fonseka expressed confidence that the current government is conducting investigations with a genuine intention to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. He said he hopes the process succeeds and pledged support for efforts to ensure accountability.
