Supporters demand release of Suresh Sallay as Easter probe intensifies
COLOMBO – Supporters of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay staged a protest outside the Colombo Fort Railway Station on Monday (8), demanding his release from detention and accusing authorities of politically motivated investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
The protest, organized by former ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Sarath Weerasekara, took the form of a Satyagraha campaign calling for Sallay’s release from detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Participants included former parliamentarians, political activists, Buddhist monks and supporters from several political groups. Police maintained a heightened security presence around the protest site.
Protesters alleged that the investigation into Sallay was being influenced by external interests and vowed to continue demonstrations until he is released.
“We will continue this struggle until Suresh Sallay is freed,” several speakers told the gathering.
Sallay’s mother, who attended the protest, made an emotional appeal for her son’s release, urging authorities to ensure his safety and well-being.
Counter-arguments from Catholic Church
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church reiterated its support for ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks.
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Church spokesperson Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando said Sallay’s arrest was based on evidence gathered during investigations and should not be viewed through the lens of his previous service to the country.
“We respect the service rendered by Suresh Sallay to the nation. However, if evidence exists, investigations must proceed independently and without political interference,” Fr. Fernando said.
He rejected claims that the arrest was linked to a defamation case involving him and insisted that the search for accountability in the Easter attacks must continue.
“The victims and their families deserve the truth. Those responsible for planning and facilitating the attacks must be identified through a fair legal process,” he said.
CID alleges attempts to obstruct investigation
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), meanwhile, informed the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks are continuing and that efforts to obstruct the inquiry have intensified.
According to submissions made before Magistrate Pasan Amarasekara, investigators are examining alleged political links behind the attacks and have encountered difficulties accessing electronic devices belonging to Sallay.
The CID also alleged that certain public campaigns and statements by political figures have sought to undermine confidence in the investigation and discourage witnesses from cooperating with authorities.
Investigators further told court that Sallay had engaged in a hunger strike while in detention and was subsequently admitted to the Colombo National Hospital after experiencing low blood sugar levels.
Sallay remains hospitalized
Sallay, who is being questioned in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, remains under medical care at the Colombo National Hospital under security supervision.
His legal team said he intends to continue his hunger strike and has requested that responsibility for the investigation be transferred from CID Director Shani Abeysekera to another senior police officer.
–ENCL
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.