A group of former Members of Parliament has sent a letter to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake under the title “Let us ensure the rule of law.” They respond to growing public discussion about alleged mistreatment of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) head Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who remains in police custody.
Call for equal treatment and fair investigation.
In their letter, the former MPs urge authorities to treat Suresh Sallay as an ordinary suspect under the principle of equality before the law. They stress that investigators should review all facts in a balanced manner and avoid any form of political influence during the process. They also call for full protection of legal rights for individuals held in custody.
Warning against repetition of past custodial violence.
The signatories highlight incidents from Sri Lanka’s violent past and warn against repeating such abuses. They refer to the killing of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) founder Rohana Wijeweera while in custody and the handling of his remains as examples that damaged public trust in law enforcement. They argue that a democratic state must prevent such incidents under any circumstances.
The letter carries the signatures of former MPs Dullas Alahapperuma, Dilan Perera, D.B. Herath, Dr. Gunapala Rathnasekera, Karu Kodithuwakku, Dr. Thilak Rajapaksha, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Lalith Ellawala, and K.P.S. Kumarasiri.
