June 09, Colombo (LNW): The government has defended the detention of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director General Major General Suresh Sallay under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), insisting that the move was carried out strictly within the framework of existing law.
Speaking on the matter, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala rejected allegations of political interference, maintaining that the detention was authorised under provisions of the PTA and followed established legal procedures.
The authorities acted in accordance with legislation currently in force, the Deputy Minister told Daily Mirror, stressing that the government had not exerted any influence over the process. He described the detention as a lawful application of statutory powers rather than an exceptional measure.
Watagala also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to repealing the controversial PTA, a pledge made during previous political campaigns. However, he noted that until replacement legislation is introduced and enacted, law enforcement agencies must continue to operate under the legal mechanisms presently available.
The detention of Sallay has sparked widespread discussion across the political and legal landscape, with several opposition figures questioning the decision to invoke the PTA.