The United National Party (UNP) has strongly condemned what it described as the inhumane treatment of former State Intelligence Chief Major General Suresh Sallay, who was arrested and later admitted to the Colombo National Hospital due to his deteriorating health condition.
Issuing a statement today (09), the UNP said such treatment violates both Article 11 of the Constitution and international conventions, including the ICCPR, and warned that the matter has already drawn the attention of the international community.
The UNP further proposed that a Parliamentary group be dispatched to examine Sallay’s condition and the manner in which he is being treated, stressing that any action against him must be consistent with constitutional protections and international obligations.
According to Sallay’s wife and son, his health is not in good condition, and the UNP alleged that he has been subjected to torture and inhumane treatment while in custody.
The party noted that Section 9(b)(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act places responsibility on the Magistrate to ensure suspects are protected under the Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The UNP cautioned that normalizing such treatment could set a dangerous precedent, potentially extending to opposition groups and even Buddhist monks, at a time when the government is accused of attempting to control the Buddhist religion.
The party emphasized that it remains vigilant about the government’s conduct and reiterated that Sallay’s case must be handled strictly in line with the Constitution and international conventions. (Newswire)
