Justice needed, not political theatre

The arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, has sparked intense debate and concern across the country. While any allegation of wrongdoing must be examined carefully and impartially, the circumstances surrounding the action against Sallay raise serious questions about whether the process is being driven by credible evidence or by political motivations. If the latter is the case, it risks turning a serious legal process into an act of victimisation.
In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, investigations and arrests must be based on clear, verifiable evidence. The credibility of law enforcement institutions depends heavily on their ability to demonstrate that their actions are guided by facts and legal standards rather than by speculation or external pressure. The former intelligence chief has been arrested based on investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.  Seven years into the incident, there is still talk about an elusive mastermind.
The narrative that has been created is that the Easter Sunday bombings were orchestrated to create a national security crisis that would translate into a fertile ground for Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa to become the Head of State at the elections that followed.  Both natural and manmade disasters create political situations that favour one party or another, if not individuals.  The 2022 economic crisis eventually laid the political ground for the National People’s Power to ascend to power in 2024.  Yet, it does not mean that the economic crisis is a phenomenon created by the NPP to gain upper hands in politics.
In the present instance, it is being pointed out that even references to findings from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) do not appear to substantiate the allegations being circulated against Sallay.   There were foreign nationals killed in the serial bombings including Americans. Then, the investigative authorities of those countries have a natural interest to find out who led the attack that resulted in the deaths of their nationals.  The FBI concluded that the attacks were carried out by a group linked to ISIS.  
In any country, intelligence officials operate in a highly sensitive environment, dealing with national security threats, international intelligence cooperation and confidential operations. Decisions affecting such individuals must therefore be handled with exceptional care and responsibility.Sri Lanka’s intelligence community has played a crucial role in the country’s security landscape, particularly during and after the decades-long civil conflict. Officers operating in this sphere are often required to make difficult decisions under intense pressure. While accountability is essential in any democratic system, the pursuit of accountability must not devolve into a campaign of public humiliation or politically motivated targeting. In this instance, controversy has emerged in a broader political and social context. Sri Lanka today is grappling with a range of urgent challenges that demand the full attention of policymakers and the public alike.  
This should not be interpreted as an argument against accountability. On the contrary, accountability is essential for maintaining the integrity of public institutions. If credible evidence emerges that any individual — regardless of rank or past service — has engaged in wrongdoing, the law must take its course. No one should be above the law. However, the principle of accountability must operate alongside the principle of fairness. Investigations must be thorough, evidence-based and free from political influence.
Arrests should follow the presentation of convincing proof, not precede it. Sri Lanka has experienced enough political turbulence over the years to understand the dangers of using legal mechanisms as instruments of political rivalry. The country’s democratic institutions are still in the process of rebuilding public trust. Actions that appear to target individuals without a solid legal foundation threaten to undermine this fragile progress. Ultimately, the issue at hand is not merely about one individual. It is about the standards that govern the exercise of state power. The controversy surrounding the arrest of Suresh Sallay should therefore prompt careful reflection. Sri Lanka must ensure that justice is pursued in a manner that strengthens institutions rather than weakening them. Turning intelligence officials into political targets serves neither the cause of accountability nor the interests of national stability.
The exact reason for Sallay’s arrest should be made known. It is a fundamental right in terms of Article 13 (I)) of the Constitution.  Any person arrested shall be informed of the reason for his arrest.  We stand by this fundamental right guaranteed in the supreme law of the country.