Former Army Commander General Mahesh Senanayake: A Voice That Should Have Stayed Silent
The recent arrest of Suresh Sallay, former head of the State Intelligence Service, in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings has reignited a painful chapter in Sri Lanka’s history. The investigation, which has now implicated high-ranking officials including former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, represents a crucial step toward justice for the 279 victims of the deadliest terrorist attack against civilians in the country’s history . However, this pursuit of justice has drawn criticism from an unexpected quarter—Former Army Commander General Mahesh Senanayake, who now resides and works in Dubai.
General Senanayake’s criticism of the NPP government’s decision to detain Sallay raises serious questions about his motives and judgment. As someone who served as Army Commander during the period when the Easter Sunday attacks occurred, his objections to the current investigation appear not only misplaced but potentially self-serving.
The Investigation That Demands Justice
The arrest of Suresh Sallay in February 2026 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act marked a significant development in the long-running investigation into the Easter Sunday bombings . Police made the arrest based on “clear evidence” obtained through their inquiries, with Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala later telling parliament that Sallay had “directed” the attacks and even identified a Catholic church to be targeted . The investigation has since expanded to include a travel ban on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two other military intelligence officers .
This is not a political witch hunt—it is a legitimate criminal investigation into one of Sri Lanka’s greatest national tragedies. The coordinated bombings on April 21, 2019, targeted three upmarket hotels in Colombo, two Roman Catholic churches, and an evangelical Protestant church outside Colombo, killing 279 people including 45 foreigners . The attacks remain the worst single act of terrorism against civilians in Sri Lankan history, surpassing even the violence of the decades-long civil war.
The Army’s Reputation on the World Stage
Critically, the current Army Commander’s position—allowing law enforcement to investigate anyone who committed such crimes and ensuring prosecution through the courts—has enhanced the Sri Lanka Army’s reputation globally. This stands in stark contrast to the international perception of the military during General Senanayake’s tenure. By cooperating with the judicial process and demonstrating that no one is above the law, the current military leadership has shown that Sri Lanka is serious about accountability and the rule of law.
The Catholic Church, which has spearheaded a campaign demanding justice for the victims, has welcomed the continued investigation and arrests as a sign that the truth may finally emerge . This represents a positive development for Sri Lanka’s international standing, demonstrating that the country is willing to confront its painful past rather than sweep it under the rug.
A Questionable Voice from Dubai
General Senanayake’s criticism from Dubai appears particularly inappropriate given his own connection to the events of 2019. As Army Commander during the period of the Easter Sunday attacks, he must bear some measure of responsibility for the intelligence failures that allowed the bombings to occur. The Supreme Court has already fined former President Maithripala Sirisena and four senior officials for their failure to prevent the attacks .
Furthermore, Sallay was promoted to head the State Intelligence Service in 2019 after Gotabaya Rajapaksa became president . He had previously headed military intelligence and, according to investigators, was employed in the intelligence unit that allegedly funded jihadists in Sri Lanka’s eastern province . These facts create uncomfortable connections to the military establishment of which General Senanayake was the head.
A Question of Popularity and Mandate
General Senanayake’s political ambitions have already been tested at the ballot box. As a presidential candidate who received only a few thousand votes, he has demonstrated minimal public support. This is not someone who commands national respect or speaks for a significant constituency. His lack of popularity within the Sri Lankan Army itself further undermines any claim he might have to represent military interests or perspectives.
The current NPP government, by contrast, won a democratic mandate and has pursued its promise to prosecute those behind the Easter Sunday attacks. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who dismissed Sallay from his position in 2024, has shown that the government is serious about accountability . This is a promise made to the victims’ families and the nation, and it deserves support rather than obstruction.
The Danger of Undermining Justice
General Senanayake’s criticism carries dangerous implications. By questioning the investigation, he potentially undermines public confidence in the judicial process and gives comfort to those who might want to see the perpetrators escape justice. His objections, coming from Dubai, are particularly telling—he is not in Sri Lanka to witness the proceedings or engage with the concerns of victims’ families.
More troubling is the suggestion that his criticism could “cause a rift” between the Army and the NPP Government. This would be a serious betrayal of military professionalism. The Sri Lanka Army’s duty is to the nation and its constitution, not to protect former colleagues from legal accountability. The current Army Commander has demonstrated the right approach—supporting the lawful investigation and prosecution process—and General Senanayake would do well to follow this example rather than undermine it.
The investigation into the Easter Sunday attacks represents Sri Lanka’s best chance for truth, justice, and reconciliation. The NPP government has shown courage in pursuing this investigation despite the powerful figures it implicates. The current Army Commander’s position—supporting the rule of law and allowing justice to take its course—has enhanced Sri Lanka’s military reputation globally.
General Mahesh Senanayake, who had responsibility for national security during the attacks and who now lives and works in Dubai, has no moral authority to criticize this process. His lack of electoral support and questionable popularity within the military make his intervention appear more like personal grievance than principled objection. For the sake of justice and national reconciliation, his voice would be better silenced.