Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held today at the Government Information Department, Dr. Jayatissa rejected allegations that Sallay had been subjected to torture while in custody under detention orders issued in accordance with the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Public concern has intensified following reports that Sallay claimed he was being subjected to inhumane treatment during questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). In protest, he reportedly launched a hunger strike and was subsequently admitted to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo.
According to reports, Sallay is currently receiving medical treatment in Ward of the hospital and is being administered intravenous fluids.
Addressing the allegations, Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that Sallay had not been subjected to any form of torture or mistreatment while in custody.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has commenced inquiries into the allegations. The Commission has already recorded statements from several officers attached to the CID and is expected to obtain statements from additional officials involved in the ongoing investigation into Sallay.
A senior official of the Commission confirmed that further inquiries are continuing as part of its examination of the allegations.
