New Delhi, February 27: A significant development has emerged in the investigation of the Easter Sunday bombings that occurred in Sri Lanka in 2019. Former Sri Lankan intelligence chief Suresh Sally has been arrested in connection with the case. The bombings resulted in the tragic loss of 279 lives. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has vowed to bring all those involved to justice.
Suresh Sally was appointed head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) in 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president. He is accused of allowing the attacks with the intention of influencing the presidential election, which Rajapaksa ultimately won. Sally had become a prominent figure in Sri Lanka and is credited with the dismantling of the LTTE. His arrest has sparked a political storm, with many fearing it could reignite tensions related to the LTTE.
Former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry expressed that these developments are extremely concerning. Meanwhile, an Indian official stated that they are closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka. When questioned about the potential resurgence of the LTTE issue following Sally’s arrest, the official acknowledged the challenges but emphasized ongoing efforts.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently investigating several cases linked to the revival of the LTTE. The ISI has also attempted to revive the LTTE, but so far, it has not succeeded. Both India and Sri Lanka are collaborating to prevent the resurgence of the LTTE. An official noted that the current relationship with Sri Lanka has shifted from ideological to an investment-based partnership, highlighting the practical ties between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Dissanayake.
It is noteworthy that the mastermind behind the attacks, Mohamed Zahran Hashim, frequently traveled to Tamil Nadu. He was also responsible for the radicalization of Jameesha Mubeen, who attempted a failed bombing at a temple in Coimbatore in 2022. Indian agencies are actively investigating Hashim’s role. The NIA’s inquiry into radicalization in South India has revealed that the entire conspiracy was orchestrated by Hashim from Sri Lanka.
Among the 100 radical-related videos seized by the agency, at least 50 were linked to Hashim, who had connections to the Islamic State. Officials believe that Suresh Sally could provide investigators with information about the module operated by Hashim. Hashim, who was a key figure among the suicide bombers during the Easter attacks, spent considerable time in India.
The NIA’s investigation has uncovered that while residing in India, Hashim primarily focused his radical activities in Malappuram, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam, Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Vellore, Trichy, and Tirunelveli. Currently, Palle has denied any connection to the Easter bombings. Indian authorities have refrained from commenting on Palle and his alleged associations.
However, officials have stated that a thorough investigation into the bombings is crucial, as the activities of the NTJ have a direct impact on India, particularly in the southern states.
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