Former MPs urge President to ensure rule of law in Suresh Sallay case

Monday, 15 June 2026 05:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A group of former MPs has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, urging him to uphold the rule of law and ensure the fair treatment of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay, who is currently in Police custody.

In a letter titled ‘Let Us Ensure the Rule of Law,’ the former legislators said growing public discussion surrounding the alleged mistreatment of Sallay had prompted them to raise their concerns with the President.

The signatories stressed that incidents associated with Sri Lanka’s violent past, including the killing of individuals while in custody, should not be repeated in a democratic society. They specifically referred to the killing of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Founder Rohana Wijeweera while in custody, and the subsequent handling of his remains, stating that such events should serve as lessons for the future.

The letter called on the President to examine all relevant facts impartially and ensure that Sallay is treated as an ordinary suspect under the law, in accordance with the principle that all citizens are equal before the law.

The letter was signed by former MPs Dullas Alahapperuma, Dilan Perera, D.B. Herath, Gunapala Rathnasekara, Karu Kodithuwakku, Thilak Rajapaksha, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Lalith Ellawala, and K.P.S. Kumarasiri.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Secretary to the President, all MPs, and media institutions.