The mother of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay yesterday made an emotional appeal for compassion towards her son, as she addressed an ongoing Satyagraha opposite the Fort Railway Station.
Speaking to supporters and the media, she condemned what she described as the treatment being meted out to Sallay and his family, while expressing confidence that the truth regarding the allegations against him would eventually emerge.
‘I am not merely praising my own child. Go to Nugegoda and ask the people how much they love him. If the public loves him that much, imagine the pain of the mother who gave birth to him. I may remain silent, but there is a fire burning inside my heart,’ she said.
She said the public’s affection towards her son reflected the service he had rendered to the country and the sacrifices made during his career.
Referring to the allegations levelled against Sallay, she said she had placed her trust in God.
‘I have been a believer all my life. I pray every day and leave my son in God’s hands. God knows everything about him,’ she said.
She also defended the role played by intelligence officers in safeguarding national security, stating that many of their contributions were carried out away from public attention.
‘People can walk freely today because intelligence officers provided the information needed to protect this country. My son never sought publicity. He worked silently from the shadows and carried out his duties,’ she said.
Speaking about the impact of her son’s detention on the family, she said she continued to struggle emotionally with the situation.
Condemning what she described as the manner in which her son was being treated, she added: ‘This is a sin that even God and the Buddha will not tolerate.’
The Satyagraha opposite the Fort Railway Station has drawn supporters calling for action in relation to Sallay’s case. Authorities have not publicly responded to the remarks made at yesterday’s protest.