Sarvajana Balaya has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urging immediate action over the deteriorating health of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who is being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
In its letter, the political organisation said it was deeply concerned by reports that Sallay’s health has been worsening rapidly in custody and stressed that safeguarding the health and fundamental rights of a detainee is a primary responsibility of the government.
The party described Sallay as a courageous military intelligence officer who made a significant contribution to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and said his service should not be forgotten and that he deserved dignified treatment and appropriate care.
Sarvajana Balaya called on the President to act on humanitarian grounds and in line with the rule of law, including by addressing requests made by Sallay and his family regarding his medical condition. The letter warned that any adverse development concerning his health could have serious domestic and international implications, potentially affecting Sri Lanka’s credibility on human rights.
The letter is the latest in a widening chorus of appeals on Sallay’s health. Former parliamentarians wrote to the President yesterday seeking “equal treatment” for him, Asgiriya prelates made a similar appeal earlier this week, and his family flagged a sharp deterioration in his condition on Friday. The Communist Party has separately demanded a review of his PTA detention.
