Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister Links Ex-Intelligence Chief to 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks
Sri Lanka’s public security minister confirmed Wednesday that the nation’s former intelligence chief, Retired Major General Tiran Alahapperuma, was directly involved in planning the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which killed 279 people, according to a statement released by the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs. The revelation marks the first official acknowledgment of his role in the bombings, which targeted three hotels, two Roman Catholic churches, and an evangelical Protestant church in Colombo.
Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Alahapperuma, who was arrested in February under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, had provided critical information about the locations of the attacks. “Investigations have revealed that Alahapperuma conspired with and strategically directed Islamic extremists to carry out the attacks,” Wijepala said, citing a government investigation. The minister added that Alahapperuma met with Muslim individuals three weeks before the bombings to gather details about congregations and locations.
Alahapperuma’s legal team has denied the allegations, asserting his innocence. Meanwhile, the former intelligence chief was hospitalized on Sunday after initiating a hunger strike while in custody. Opposition activists have staged protests in Colombo demanding his release, with some accusing the government of politically motivated charges.
Links to Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Under Scrutiny
The investigation into the attacks has also intensified scrutiny of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was in power at the time of the bombings. Following Alahapperuma’s interrogation, authorities obtained court orders to prevent Rajapaksa from leaving Sri Lanka. While the Criminal Investigation Department has not formally named Rajapaksa as a suspect, official sources suggest he may face questioning in the coming weeks.
Rajapaksa, who won a landslide re-election in November 2019, had pledged to combat Islamist extremism after the attacks. However, a 2023 report by British broadcaster Channel 4 alleged that Alahapperuma had facilitated the bombings to influence the presidential election in favor of Rajapaksa. A whistleblower cited in the report claimed that Alahapperuma allowed the attacks to proceed to bolster the president’s anti-terrorism narrative.
Background on the 2019 Attacks and Ongoing Legal Battles
The Easter Sunday bombings, carried out by the National Thowheeth Jamath (NTJ), remain the deadliest terrorist attack in Sri Lankan history. The NTJ, a local Islamist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks, which also targeted expatriate communities and tourists.
Alahapperuma, who led the State Intelligence Service (SIS) from 2019, had previously headed the military intelligence unit. His arrest in February followed a months-long investigation into his alleged ties to the attackers. The Sri Lankan government has faced criticism for its handling of the aftermath, including delayed justice for victims and concerns over security lapses.
What Comes Next for the Investigation?
The case has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations urging transparency. The Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission has called for an independent inquiry into the intelligence failures that preceded the attacks. Meanwhile, legal experts suggest that Rajapaksa’s potential involvement could complicate his political future, though no formal charges have been filed.
As the probe continues, the government faces mounting pressure to clarify the extent of Alahapperuma’s role and whether senior officials were complicit. For now, the case remains a focal point in Sri Lanka’s ongoing struggle to address terrorism and governance challenges.
Sri Lankan Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs
Channel 4 News – 2023 Report on Alahapperuma
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights