Suresh Sallay detention may be extended by 90 days as his wife appeals to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over his serious heart condition.
The Suresh Sallay detention could be extended for another 90 days, with reports indicating that authorities are preparing a fresh Detention Order under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Retired Major General Suresh Sallay, the former head of the State Intelligence Service, is currently being held and questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department.
The CID is detaining him under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act, or PTA.
However, Sallay’s lawyers have raised concerns over any further extension. They argue that another detention order, despite his serious heart condition, could raise legal questions about investigators’ intentions.
They also point to the Government’s current efforts to repeal the PTA and introduce new national security legislation.
Wife Appeals Over Suresh Sallay Detention
Meanwhile, Sallay’s wife, S.B.M.S.B. Sallay Bandusena, sent a special written appeal to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on August 20.
The President also serves as Minister of Defence.
In her letter, she asks that authorities do not further extend her husband’s detention. Instead, she requests that officials place him in remand custody under judicial supervision.
She states that Sallay’s health deteriorated after a period of fasting while in detention.
Authorities transferred him to Colombo National Hospital on June 07. They later moved him to the hospital’s cardiology unit on June 27.
Following medical examinations, doctors performed a complex procedure to implant an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator, or ICD, in his heart. The device was implanted to manage the risk to his life.
Wife Raises Right-to-Life Concerns
Sallay Bandusena argues that returning a patient recovering from heart surgery to CID custody could create a direct and serious risk to his life.
She stresses that the issue goes beyond conditions of detention. Instead, she describes it as a humanitarian concern linked to the right to life.
The letter also states that the family has no intention of obstructing or delaying any lawful investigation.
She says they remain prepared to cooperate fully with any legal inquiry conducted under judicial supervision.
Her appeal asks the President to reach a decision that balances two competing requirements. One is the need to protect the health and safety of a suspect held in state custody.
The other is the requirement to allow lawful investigations and due legal process to continue.
The reported move to extend the Suresh Sallay detention therefore comes amid growing concern over his medical condition, the continued use of the PTA and his family’s request for judicial supervision instead of another detention order.
