Suresh Salley Demands Repeal of PTA: Launches Fast-Unto-Death Until Demands are Met

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Relatives of retired Major General Suresh Salley say that the former State Intelligence Service Chief, who is currently detained in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks, has begun a Fast Unto - Death.

They said Salley is carrying out the fast demanding the abolition of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), among other requests.

Family members made these claims while speaking to the media after visiting the Criminal Investigation Department this morning to inquire about his condition. 

Police stated that, following a request made by Salley’s wife, arrangements were made to allow relatives to visit him.

Kushal Salley, the son of Former Chief of State Intelligence retired Major General Suresh Salley, stated that his father has been in custody under the PTA for more than 100 days, and began a fast unto death last Friday night (06), refusing any food or water. 

Accordingly Salley, is carrying out the protest to call for the repeal of the PTA and to highlight what he describes as severe mistreatment and inhumane conditions inside CID custody.

Son of Suresh Salley, Kushal Salley said that multiple reports, including Presidential Commission findings, FBI-related reports, the Channel 4 investigation, and Justice Imam’s report, support his father's claim of innocence. 

He also points to recent court proceedings where a motion was filed regarding his health, and a Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) report that it indicates he was subjected mainly to psychological torture while in CID detention.

Kushal Salley highlighted that despite these submissions, no favourable ruling has been made so far, although a decision is expected this week. 

The family is calling for the repeal of the PTA and for a proper, fair investigation into the Easter attacks, insisting that he is being unfairly targeted and framed.

Meanwhile, commenting to media, the brother of Suresh Salley said that Salley sayd that he will not give up the ongoing fast, adding that he has also refused to be admitted to hospital. Selvin Salley noted that his brother Suresh Salley is not accepting any form of treatment at present.

He further said that his brother’s condition is extremely weak and very concerning. According to him, Salley is not consuming food or water and is also refusing medication. He described the situation as deeply distressing.

Meanwhile, Suresh Salley’s wife, Manori Salley, also said she has appealed for him to end his fast-unto death, but he has refused to do so.

She said they have repeatedly spoken to him in an attempt to change his decision, but he remains firm, stating that his protest is against the PTA.

She added that he believes he is innocent and that while investigations can proceed, he should still be treated in a humane manner.

Expressing deep distress, she said her husband had served the country for 38 years and had often sacrificed family life for his duties, even missing important family moments. She described it as extremely unfair for someone with such a record of service to be treated in this manner.

She further said she is deeply saddened by his condition, but he is determined to continue the fast, insisting that he has always been willing to sacrifice his life for the country.

Additionally, legal counsel for Suresh Salley, Attorney-at-Law Asith Sirivardena, has sent a letter to the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Shani Abeysekara.

In the letter, the lawyer states that Salley’s physical and mental condition has seriously deteriorated and requests that Salley be immediately hospitalised for medical treatment.

It also requested that Salley be allowed to meet his lawyer in order to prepare his last will and other related legal documents.

The letter further notes that Salley’s mental state has significantly worsened and that he is no longer in a position to make rational decisions regarding his life.

The attorney warns that the current conditions of detention pose a serious and immediate risk to his life.

He added that if no action is taken after considering these concerns, the matter could be raised in future legal proceedings, including criminal, constitutional, or international cases, as a basis for alleged harm caused to his client.