🚨 UNP Raises Human Rights Concerns Over Detention of Former Intelligence Chief Suresh Sallay

The United National Party (UNP) has expressed strong concern over the treatment of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief Major General Suresh Sallay following his arrest and subsequent hospitalisation at the Colombo National Hospital. Key details from the party's statement: • Detention & Health Status: Family disclosures indicate Sallay's medical condition is poor. The UNP alleges he is receiving "inhumane treatment" while detained, which they warn violates Article 11 of the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). • Legal Obligations: The party highlighted that under Section 9(b)(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), magistrates must ensure suspects are protected against torture or cruel treatment, noting that violations constitute a contempt of court. • National Context & Implications: Sallay served as SIS Chief under former Presidents Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe. The UNP warned that normalising such treatment poses a dangerous trend that could eventually target opposition groups and Buddhist monks. • Proposed Action: Noting that the incident has drawn international attention, the UNP has called for a Parliamentary team to be dispatched to independently examine Sallay's treatment and medical care.