Ali Sabry slams Suresh Sallay s arrest as theatrics designed to mislead or divide

Former Justice Minister Ali Sabry has criticized the arrest of Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, the former head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), calling it a theatrical move aimed at misleading or dividing the public. He believes that undermining officers who once protected Sri Lanka may bring temporary political gain, but it ultimately harms the morale of the armed forces and sends a negative message to those responsible for national security. In his comments about Sallay's arrest, Sabry stated that the investigation into the Easter Sunday tragedy must be professional and based on evidence, prioritizing justice for the victims and national security. He lamented that the current situation is turning a complicated investigation into a “public spectacle.” Sabry described this as a troubling day for the Sri Lanka Army and its Intelligence Corps. He raised concerns about the overall direction of the national discourse, emphasizing that Major General Sallay played a significant role in dismantling the LTTE's intelligence network and was involved in critical operations that targeted high-ranking leaders, including Tamilchelvan. He also mentioned Sallay's efforts in capturing Kumaran Pathmanathan, known as ‘KP,’ the arms procurer for the now-defunct terrorist group. The former Minister for Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms highlighted that these officers risked their lives during the country's most perilous times. He expressed that many now believe these individuals are being pulled into a political struggle driven more by conflicting stories than by solid evidence. While Sabry acknowledged the importance of accountability in any democracy, he insisted it should be pursued fairly, with restraint and respect for institutional integrity. He reiterated that the investigation into the Easter Sunday tragedy needed a professional, evidence-based approach, rather than evolving into a public spectacle. He also pointed out that international cooperation has already occurred, with significant involvement from the FBI and U.S. authorities in investigations and prosecutions.