Communist Party expresses concerns over Sallay’s prolonged detention

Colombo, June 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL) expresses deep concern over the continued detention of former Intelligence Chief Major General (retd.) Suresh Sallay, who was arrested on February 25, and has now been held for 95 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), according to a statement from it.

The statement, signed by its General Secretary Dr. G. Weerasinghe said that Maj. Gen. Sallay’s initial detention under the PTA was for 90 days, after which the Colombo Magistrate extended his period of custody. The CPSL notes that the PTA was specifically referenced in the 2024 manifesto of the ruling New People’s Power (NPP) — “A thriving nation, a beautiful life” – which promised the “abolition of all oppressive acts including the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and ensuring civil rights of people in all parts of the country.”

The party calls attention to this commitment and urges that it be honoured in both letter and spirit.

Allegations of mistreatment and procedural irregularities The CPSL is alarmed by reports from legal counsel and medical personnel alleging that Major General Sallay has suffered both physical injuries and severe psychological distress while in custody.

President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando informed the Court that the Judicial Medical Officer’s report diagnosed Maj. Gen. Sallay with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression, and identified injuries at five locations on his body.

The report, counsel says, indicates alleged torture.

Further, counsel and family members have raised serious complaints about inhumane treatment in detention. Mrs. Manori Sallay has filed a formal complaint with the Inspector General of Police alleging inadequate food, lack of basic sanitation and other inhumane conditions.

Additional court submissions stated that Maj. Gen. Sallay was denied proper meals, and on one night was reportedly served rice with gravy on a piece of newspaper placed on the cell floor. By contrast, media reports indicate that some detainees have been permitted access to the CID canteen.

The CPSL acknowledges the necessity of lawful procedure in the investigation and prosecution of criminal and terrorism cases. At the same time, the party is compelled to note credible allegations that proper procedure has not been followed in this case. These lapses reinforce concerns that the arrest and continued detention may be politically motivated.

PTA as a tool of repression Human rights organisations have long criticised the PTA as a draconian statute that facilitates prolonged arbitrary detention without trial and creates opportunities for torture and coerced confessions.

The CPSL reiterates these concerns and underscores the contradiction between the NPP’s manifesto pledge to abolish oppressive legislation and the continued use of the PTA in this instance.

The Communist Party of Sri Lanka therefore calls on the Government and relevant authorities

to:  Immediately ensure that Major General Suresh Sallay receives full medical care and protection from further mistreatment.

•  Make public the full medical report of the Judicial Medical Officer and permit independent medical examination by a qualified neutral body.
•  Adhere strictly to legal procedure in the investigation and prosecution of this matter,ensuring access to counsel, adequate food, sanitation, and humane detention conditions.
•  Provide transparent justification for any further extensions of detention under the PTA and allow timely judicial review in accordance with constitutional safeguards.
•  Honour the NPP manifesto pledge by initiating a credible review of the PTA and related practices that enable arbitrary detention and torture.

The CPSL stands for the rule of law, human dignity and civil rights.

While recognising the state’s responsibility to investigate genuine security threats, the party will not remain silent where there are credible reports of abuse, procedural irregularity, and possible political motivation.

The CPSL will monitor the case closely and urges civil society and human rights bodies to do the same.