Sallay’s mother joins Fort protest

Former head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital, yesterday (07) while in remand custody under a detention order, is still receiving treatment, hospital sources said.

He was hospitalised after staging a hunger strike, alleging that Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers had subjected him to inhumane treatment.

Sallay was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on February 25 on charges related to the Easter Sunday attacks. He was subsequently held under detention orders in CID custody.

It has been alleged that CID officers treated him in an inhumane and cruel manner, prompting him to begin a “fast unto death,” by refusing food and water, according to former Member of Parliament Udaya Gammanpila, who made the disclosure.

Later, his wife, the son, and the brother, who visited him yesterday, also confirmed that Suresh Sallay was on a hunger strike.

Against this backdrop, several opposition political parties announced last evening that they would launch an indefinite ‘Satyagraha’ protest opposing his continued detention under remand orders.

Meanwhile, CID officers transferred Sallay to the Colombo National Hospital at around 8:30 p.m. yesterday after he reportedly fell ill while continuing to refuse food and water.

Hospital sources stated that he was admitted due to a sudden illness.

His wife also visited the hospital at the time to inquire about his condition.

In addition, Sallay’s wife, has sent a letter to CID Director Shani Abeysekara.

In her letter, she requested that her husband’s lawyers be granted permission to meet him, as she was only allowed to see him from a distance during her visit. She stated that this could help persuade him to end his life-threatening hunger strike.

She also emphasized that her husband requires not only medical treatment but also legal and psychological support during this critical moment.

Meanwhile, an indefinite ‘Satyagraha’ protest began this morning in front of the Fort Railway Station, condemning the alleged inhumane and cruel treatment of former State Intelligence Service head Suresh Sallay and his continued detention under remand orders.

The protest was held with the participation of members of the Maha Sangha and representatives from several opposition political parties.

The protest was organized at 10.00 a.m. in front of the Fort Railway Station.

Representatives from the Sarvajana Balaya, National Freedom Front, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), and several other opposition parties participated.

Attempts to bring chairs for the protesters to sit were blocked by police, leading to a tense situation at the scene.

Sallay, who has been hospitalised, is currently receiving treatment under the protection of CID officers and Special Task Force (STF) personnel.