It is reported that the arrest of former State Intelligence Chief Major General Suresh Sallay has created a serious crisis among the war veterans’ collective affiliated with the National People’s Power government.
Government sources say that senior officials responsible for defence and police affairs had not been informed in advance about the arrest. As a result, the President, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Secretaries of the Defence and Public Security Ministries have reportedly been placed in a difficult situation.
Sources from the Criminal Investigation Department state that Major General Sallay is being questioned over several allegations, including maintaining links with individuals connected to the killing of two police officers at the Vavunathivu checkpoint in Batticaloa and allegedly paying them salaries as military informants.
At present, Suresh Sallay is being detained under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act for the maximum period of three days allowed under the authority of a Superintendent of Police. Further detention and questioning beyond this period require the approval of the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.