Free Lawyers Press Statement    

Free Lawyers Sri Lanka, an association of legal professionals dedicated to the rule of law, access to justice, and protection of fundamental rights, expresses profound alarm at the continued administrative detention of retired Major General Thuwan Suresh Salley for over 100 days under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Mr. Salley was arrested on 25 February 2026 in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. A medico-legal examination report (MLEF No. 50/2026), prepared by the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Colombo, following a court-ordered referral by the Colombo Fort Magistrate through the Chief Judicial Medical Officer on or about 4 May 2026, and filed in the Magistrate Court of Colombo Fort (report received on 18 May 2026), was accessed by Free Lawyers Sri Lanka. The findings were presented in court on 3 June 2026. The report reveals disturbing conditions of detention and significant deterioration in his health:

•  Harsh detention conditions: Held in a small cell (approximately 6 ft 4 in × 4 ft) with 24-hour lighting, sleeping on the floor for around 40 days, presence of cockroaches and rats, restricted toilet access, and placement in a punishment cell for four nights.

•  Invasive procedures: Subjected to a humiliating body search involving stripping and physical inspection in the presence of others.

•  Physical effects: Significant weight loss of 6–7 kg in two months, intertriginous dermatitis, nutritional deficiencies (including Vitamin D insufficiency), marginally elevated blood sugar and cholesterol, and exacerbated pre-existing migraines.

•  Mental health impact: Diagnosed with a moderate to severe depressive episode accompanied by prominent anxiety symptoms and features of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The forensic psychiatrist described these as typical of” torture or ill-treatment, noting a high risk of suicide. Mr. Salley reported feelings of internal collapse, nightmares, poor appetite, guilt, and constant stress.

While the report notes no acute external physical injuries and confirms he remains fit to plead and stand trial, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive multidisciplinary medical and psychiatric care in a safe therapeutic environment.

Despite police claims of equal treatment, these findings highlight serious risks of ill-treatment and neglect in PTA detention. The Act’s provisions allow prolonged administrative detention potentially up to one year or more—without prompt judicial oversight or formal charges. Mr. Salley’s high-profile case draws attention to the plight of numerous other lesser-known PTA detainees who may endure similar conditions outside effective judicial scrutiny.

This situation raises grave questions about Sri Lanka’s compliance with its international obligations under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), particularly ahead of the upcoming visit by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT).

Free Lawyers Sri Lanka urgently calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka, the Inspector General of Police, the Criminal Investigation Department, and relevant authorities to:

1.  Immediately ensure independent, comprehensive medical and psychiatric treatment for Mr. Salley and all PTA detainees in appropriate therapeutic settings, with regular access for family members and legal counsel.

2.  Bring all detainees before competent judicial authorities without further delay, either to file recognizable charges or order their release.

3.  Guarantee fundamental safeguards against torture, ill-treatment, and arbitrary detention in all places of custody, in line with Sri Lanka’s constitutional and international commitments.

4.  Initiate meaningful reform or repeal of the PTA to eliminate provisions enabling prolonged detention without judicial oversight.

We stand ready to engage with the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission (as the National Preventive Mechanism), the authorities, and the forthcoming UN SPT delegation to provide detailed information and contribute to strengthening preventive mechanisms against torture and ill-treatment.

The case of Mr. Salley is not isolated. It reflects systemic vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka’s detention framework that threaten the dignity and rights of all persons deprived of liberty. Immediate action is essential to restore public confidence in the justice system and uphold the rule of law.

Maithri Gunarathna PC            Former Governor Keerthi Tennakoon 

Co – convener                          Chief Executive Office

Free Lawyers Sri Lanka