Govt. assures Sallay not being treated differently

Wednesday, 10 June 2026 05:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

The Government yesterday assured that former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Suresh Sallay has not been subjected to any improper treatment while in detention, insisting that all actions taken against him have been carried out in accordance with the law.

Responding to questions at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said Sallay had not been treated inappropriately as alleged by various groups.

“Sallay was arrested on 25 February in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks and was subsequently detained under a 90-day detention order issued on 27 February.

Following the expiry of that order on 27 May, a further 90-day detention order was obtained through legal procedures,” he said.

Dr. Jayatissa claimed that concerns regarding Sallay’s treatment gained prominence only after a Court order issued on 3 June imposed overseas travel bans on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two former military officers as part of the ongoing Easter Sunday investigations.

He argued that many of the groups now protesting had shown little concern when Sallay was first detained in February, but became vocal after the travel restrictions were imposed against Rajapaksa, suggesting that the widening scope of the investigation may have prompted their reaction.

“As the former SIS chief and a public servant, Sallay understands how individuals are treated under the law. If he is innocent, the best course of action is to cooperate with the investigation,” Dr. Jayatissa said.

The Cabinet Spokesman added that attempts to pursue other agendas could raise public suspicions regarding involvement in the attacks, which killed more than 260 people and left hundreds more injured and traumatised.

Dr. Jayatissa confirmed that Sallay is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka after reportedly commencing a hunger strike on Monday, alleging degrading treatment during his detention.

“The Government remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims and families affected by the Easter Sunday attacks and urged the public to allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed without interference,” he stressed.