‘If someone is guilty, that’s when they try to hide things’ – Minister Jayatissa comments

Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says that any attempt to disrupt investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks by using political groups would not serve anyone’s interest.

He further stated that if former intelligence chief retired Major General Suresh Sallay believes he is innocent, he should cooperate with the investigations instead of attempting to obstruct them.

The Minister made these remarks while speaking to the media after attending an event held at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital yesterday (14).

“The investigations into the Easter Sunday attack are progressing in the right direction. Based on emerging evidence, certain individuals are being arrested. Detention orders are being obtained for further questioning. All these matters are being periodically reported to the court through B-reports by the Criminal Investigation Department. It is under these procedures that former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay is being held under detention orders,” he said.

He added that the initial 90-day detention period ended at the end of May, and a further 90-day detention order has been issued, under which the process continues.

“If the investigation is to proceed quickly, the person in custody must provide the required information promptly. Cooperation with the investigation is his opportunity to prove his innocence. If someone is guilty, that is when they try to hide things. If he is innocent, he should not be afraid and should assist the investigation,” the Minister said.

He also noted that Sallay is currently receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital, adding that reports indicate there are no issues regarding his nutrition and that he is receiving adequate care. He added that he is also being provided medical and dental treatment when requested, and that there is no special or preferential treatment — only standard procedures are being followed.

Responding to claims that officials conducting the investigation should be removed, the Minister said such statements indicate that the person making them may have something to hide.