Minister Nalinda rejects claims of abuse, political revenge in Sallay probe

Colombo, June 18 (Daily Mirror) - Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa rejected allegations that former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay was tortured, stripped or otherwise mistreated while in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), insisting that the investigation is being conducted strictly in accordance with the law and without political interference.

Speaking to journalists today, Jayatissa dismissed claims by Sallay's wife that Sallay had been subjected to harsh treatment and humiliation during interrogation, stating that standard legal procedures are being followed.

"As far as I am aware, any individual brought under a detention order to the Criminal Investigation Department is treated exactly like any ordinary suspect," the Minister said. "No unique or irregular methods have been applied to Suresh Sallay. Our policy is clear, we do not accord special privileges to anyone, nor do we subject anyone to special humiliation. Standard operating protocols are being followed."

He added that if Sallay's family or legal representatives have any legitimate concerns regarding his detention, they are entitled to raise those matters before the court overseeing the case.

Responding to reports that Sallay's legal team had said he would refuse to return to the CID from the National Hospital even at the risk of his life, Jayatissa said decisions relating to a detainee's custody are determined by legal and medical authorities, not by the wishes of the suspect.

"Once medical professionals at the National Hospital declare him fit and discharge him, the CID will resume its necessary procedural actions," he said.

The Minister further said that the duration of the detention depends largely on the level of cooperation extended by the suspect during the investigation.

"If a suspect chooses not to cooperate, the process naturally takes longer. If they cooperate, the investigation can be concluded more quickly and reported to the courts. If he is innocent, the best course of action is to cooperate fully with investigators to clear his name," Jayatissa said.

Rejecting allegations that the investigation is politically motivated, the Minister said there was "absolutely no political revenge" involved.

"This investigation concerns a brutal massacre in which nearly 300 people, including elderly persons, young people and children attending church services, were killed, while hundreds more were left permanently disabled. The CID is investigating who was responsible for this atrocity and who assisted in carrying it out," he said.