Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara today questioned why concerns over the detention conditions of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Salley emerged only after a travel ban was imposed on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Speaking in Parliament, the Minister said Salley had been in detention for nearly 90 days without any public outcry regarding his treatment, but allegations concerning his welfare surfaced only after the court imposed travel restrictions on Rajapaksa.
“The public should think about why people suddenly became agitated and started complaining only after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was banned from travelling abroad,” Nanayakkara said.
Referring to criticism over Salley’s detention conditions, the Minister said no complaints had been raised during the first three months of his detention.
“For 90 days, there was no issue. No one said he was being served radish and rice. No one spoke about cockroaches or poor conditions. We did not see family members protesting or making allegations then,” he said.
Nanayakkara alleged that the recent protests and satyagraha campaigns were not driven by concern for Salley but by attempts to obstruct investigations linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
“The court will conduct the investigations properly, and legal action will be taken based on the findings. The Government has no role in that process. But when investigations began to move forward, some people started shouting about political revenge and seeking public sympathy,” he said.
The Minister maintained that the Government remains committed to its pledge to ensure justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks.
“We promised the people that we would investigate the Easter attacks and bring everyone responsible before the courts based on evidence. That promise will be fulfilled,” he said.
Nanayakkara further stated that 278 people were killed and more than 500 injured in the Easter Sunday bombings, emphasizing that justice for the victims remains a priority.
Addressing the public, he said, “Be satisfied with the Government you elected. The promises that were made will be fulfilled. Wait a few more months. The work will be done.”
The Minister also suggested that the campaign surrounding Salley’s detention was aimed at generating sympathy and undermining the ongoing investigation, insisting that such efforts would not succeed.
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