Investigative reference in the Suresh Sallay Easter attacks proceeding
Current status of the Investigative reference in the Suresh Sallay Easter attacks proceeding
During proceedings against former State Intelligence Service Director Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Sallay and other suspects over the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, prosecutors have twice referenced Bathiudeen in court in connection with the investigation: a report dated 11 September 2026 said he was 'named in the investigations' over an allegation that he helped bomber Zahran Hashim travel to India, sourced to a CID 'B report' submitted around 2 September 2026; and on 15 September 2026, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris told the court that investigators were examining whether political and logistical support had been given to people connected to the attackers, referencing Bathiudeen and a Mannar businessman. Neither report states that Bathiudeen has been named a formal suspect in this proceeding, and reporting states he has not been questioned by the CID on this. Bathiudeen has denied the claims, saying he never met Zahran Hashim.
What’s happened
This is an investigative reference only - no arrest, suspect designation, charge, or finding of wrongdoing has been reported against Bathiudeen in this proceeding. It must not be merged with, or treated as reviving, the separate 2021-2022 PTA case (matter rishad-bathiudeen-01) from which he was released in November 2022 - that was a different case with its own distinct legal disposition.
- Court
- Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court
- Next hearing / due
- No upcoming hearing announced