State Intelligence Chief files complaint against MP Nalin Bandara

Colombo (News 1st); Head of State Intelligence Major General Suresh Sallay has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department against a statement made by Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara.

According to the complaint, MP Bandara in a press statement on the 17th of March 2021 had mentioned false information about the Head of State Intelligence, said the Police Spokesperson. The Deputy Police Chief said that MP Nalin Bandara has made the following comments to the press, as mentioned in the complaint: - Suresh Sallay had met Zaharan Hashim in Malaysia when Sallay was attached to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Malaysia - Suresh Sallay had facilitated Zaharan Hashim to travel to Malaysia, Indonesia, and India. - Suresh Sallay had an understanding of the 2019 April 21st Attacks, however, he was not summoned to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry that probed the April Attacks. - Suresh Sallay had abandoned a program conducted in India and returned to Sri Lanka. However, Major General Suresh Sallay has stated in his complaint that he testified to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry on three separate occasions, said the Police Spokesperson adding that the Head of State Intelligence denied the allegation of abandoning a program. Major General Suresh Sallay had noted that being a Sri Lankan Malay, such allegations have negatively affected his career and personal life, said DIG Ajith Rohana. The Criminal Investigations Department appointed a special team led by an Assistant Superintendent of Police to investigate the complaint. Further, statements will be recorded from witnesses, footage from CCTV and Social Media platforms will be collected and comments made by various others will be obtained for the investigations, said the Deputy Police Chief. Legal action will be taken against MP Nalin Bandara for the statement he made, said DIG Ajith Rohana.