Salley Support Protest Tent in Colombo Removed

by Zulfick Farzan 08-06-2026 | 4:44 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police have removed a makeshift tent set up by several opposition groups in Colombo over the detention of former State Intelligence Service Chief, retired Major General Suresh Salley.

The tent had been placed in front of the Fort Railway Station as part of a Satyagraha campaign launched in support of Salley. The protest drew a number of political figures, including former Members of Parliament Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila, as well as members of the Maha Sangha.

The situation comes as Sallay remains in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over investigations linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

He was arrested on February 25 and is being held under detention orders while investigations continue.

Police say security has been increased in several areas, especially around the National Hospital in Colombo, where Sallay is currently receiving treatment. Officers from the CID and the Police Special Task Force have been deployed to maintain order and ensure safety.

Authorities said Sallay was admitted to hospital late on June 7 following medical advice and is currently under treatment.

Meanwhile, claims from his family and political supporters state that Sallay has started a hunger strike while in detention. According to them, he has stopped taking food, water, and medication, raising concerns about his health.

Family members also say the protest is connected to wider demands, including calls to repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).