Former Minister Ali Sabry has expressed concern over the arrest of former State Intelligence Chief Suresh Sallay, describing it as a troubling development for the Sri Lanka Army and its Intelligence Corps.
In a statement shared on social media, Sabry said the arrest of Major General Sallay—whom he noted had been involved in operations that dismantled the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) intelligence network and targeted senior leaders including Tamilchelvan, as well as efforts linked to the apprehension of Kumaran Pathmanathan—raises serious concerns about the direction of the national discourse.
Sabry stated that these officers had once risked their lives to protect the country during its most dangerous years, but are now being drawn into what he described as a political battlefield shaped more by competing narratives than by evidence. While acknowledging that accountability under the law is essential in a democracy, he stressed that it must be pursued with fairness, restraint, and respect for institutional integrity.
Referring to the 2019 Sri Lanka Easter bombings, Sabry said the tragedy warranted a professional and evidence-based investigation focused on justice for victims and safeguarding national security. However, he claimed that the probe has increasingly become a public spectacle. He noted that international cooperation, including the involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other U.S. authorities, had already taken place through investigations and prosecutions.
According to Sabry, continuing to politicise the issue for partisan purposes risks harming Sri Lanka’s credibility and long-term security interests. He warned that national security institutions should not become collateral damage in political disputes, as undermining officers who once protected the country could weaken morale within the armed forces.
Emphasising the need for unity and responsible leadership, Sabry said Sri Lanka must pursue truth and justice through law and evidence rather than through actions that could mislead or divide the nation.
