Catholic Church Urges Public Not to Disrupt CID Probe into Easter Attacks

The has called for calm and restraint following the arrest of former intelligence chief in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

Salley, a retired Major General, was taken into custody by the (CID) as part of ongoing investigations into the 2019 bombings.

Church Clarifies Its Position

Speaking on behalf of the , spokesperson Rev. Father Cyril Gamini said the Church felt compelled to clarify its stance after criticism and objections emerged from certain political figures and individuals following the arrest.

He stated that investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks had been “completely halted” after assumed office as President, and that no CID investigations took place during the presidency of .

According to Rev. Father Gamini, meaningful and independent investigations resumed only after the current government came into power in November 2024.

Progress Since 2024

He noted that between November 2024 and February 2026, the CID had conducted investigations in what he described as an orderly and highly independent manner. The Attorney General had granted approval to reopen the probe, he added.

The arrest of Salley, Rev. Father Gamini said, is one outcome of these resumed investigations. He emphasized that Salley remains a suspect, and that guilt or innocence must ultimately be determined by the courts.

Call for Restraint

The Church urged the public not to panic, issue unnecessary statements, or spread speculation on social media. Instead, Rev. Father Gamini encouraged patience and trust in the legal process.

He rejected attempts to politicize the matter or create misleading narratives, stressing that the CID must be allowed to carry out its work independently and without interference.

Efforts to stir political motives or nationalism to disrupt the investigation, he warned, would amount to a grave injustice to those who lost their lives and those permanently affected by the Easter attacks.

The Church appealed to all parties to respect the investigative process and allow justice to take its course.