The Sri Lanka Communist Party (CPSL) has urged the National People’s Power (NPP) government to initiate a credible review of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and related practices that enable arbitrary detention and torture, citing the continued detention of former State Intelligence Service chief Major General (retd.) Suresh Sallay.

In a statement, CPSL General Secretary Dr. G. Weerasinghe said Sallay, who was arrested on 25 February 2026, has now been held for 95 days under the PTA. His initial 90-day detention period was extended by the Colombo Magistrate. “The PTA was specifically referenced in the 2024 manifesto of the ruling New People’s Power — ‘A thriving nation, a beautiful life’ — which promised the abolition of all oppressive acts including the Prevention of Terrorism Act,” the party said, calling for that commitment to be honoured “in both letter and spirit”.

The CPSL said it was “alarmed by reports from legal counsel and medical personnel” that Sallay had suffered physical injuries and severe psychological distress in custody. The party cited the Judicial Medical Officer’s report which counsel says diagnosed Sallay with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression, and identified injuries at five locations on his body — findings that, according to President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, indicated alleged torture.

The statement also referenced a complaint filed by his wife Manori Sallay with the Inspector General of Police alleging inadequate food, lack of basic sanitation and other inhumane conditions. The CPSL cited additional court submissions stating Sallay was denied proper meals and on one night was served rice with gravy on a piece of newspaper placed on the cell floor — while some other detainees were reportedly permitted access to the CID canteen.

The party said the lapses reinforced concerns that the arrest and continued detention “may be politically motivated”, echoing critiques from human-rights organisations that have long described the PTA as a draconian statute facilitating prolonged arbitrary detention without trial. The CPSL called for full medical care for Sallay, public release of the JMO report, independent medical examination by a neutral body, transparent justification for any further detention extensions, and a credible review of the PTA itself.

The CPSL position adds a left-coalition voice to a growing political chorus that already includes the UNP’s parliamentary review motion and Udaya Gammanpila’s PTA-misuse critique, even as opposition figures continue a protest campaign at Colombo Fort.

Sources: The Island — Communist Party condemns ill-treatment of Sallay, calls for review of PTA.