Stop harassment of Suresh Sallay: Free Lawyers Association

By Yohan Perera 

Free Lawyers Association yesterday urged the authorities to provide necessary medical treatment to former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief and amend laws which pave the way for the harassment of Sallay and others who are held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). 

“We are deeply saddened on the harassment for which Sallay is subjected to by the authorities,” a statement signed by the Free Lawyers Association Convener Maithri Gunaratne and Chief Executive Officer Rajith Keerthi Tennekoon said. 

It has been reported that Sallay has suffered significant weight loss of 6–7 kg in two months, intertriginous dermatitis, nutritional deficiencies (including Vitamin D insufficiency), marginally elevated blood sugar and cholesterol, and exacerbated pre-existing migraines. He is also diagnosed with a moderate to severe depressive episode accompanied by prominent anxiety symptoms and features of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The forensic psychiatrist described these as “typical of” torture or ill-treatment, noting a high risk of suicide. Mr. Sallay reported feelings of internal collapse, nightmares, poor appetite, guilt, and constant stress, the statement said. 

While the report notes no acute external physical injuries and confirms he remains fit to plead and stand trial, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive multidisciplinary medical and psychiatric care in a safe therapeutic environment. 

Despite police claims of equal treatment, these findings highlight serious risks of ill-treatment and neglect in PTA detention. The Act’s provisions allow prolonged administrative detention potentially up to one year or more—without prompt judicial oversight or formal charges. Mr. Sallay’s high-profile case draws attention to the plight of numerous other lesser-known PTA detainees who may endure similar conditions outside effective judicial scrutiny.