In a letter titled “Let Us Establish the Rule of Law,” the former legislators expressed concern over reports regarding the conditions under which Sallay is being held in police custody. They stressed that while investigations should proceed without interference, authorities must ensure that all legal and humanitarian standards are respected.
The signatories emphasized that the fundamental rights of individuals in state custody must be protected and that no suspect should be subjected to degrading treatment, regardless of the allegations against them.
Drawing attention to Sri Lanka’s political history, the former MPs said the country must never repeat past incidents involving abuses of power in custody. They referred to the death of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) founder Rohana Wijeweera while in state custody, describing it as a chapter that should never be repeated.
The former parliamentarians called on the President to objectively review the circumstances surrounding Sallay’s detention and ensure that he is afforded the same legal protections and equality before the law as any other citizen.
The letter was signed by former MPs Dallas Alahapperuma, Dilan Perera, D.B. Herath, Dr. Gunapala Rathnasekera, Karu Kodituwakku, Dr. Thilak Rajapaksha, Dr. Upul Galappaththi, Lalith Ellawala and K.P.S. Kumarasiri.
