Suresh Sale Has Launched a Fast Unto Death, Claims Udaya Gammanpila
07-Jun-2026.
Pivithuru Hela Urumaya leader Udaya Gammanpila has alleged that Suresh Sale, who is being detained in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks, has commenced a fast unto death in protest against what he described as inhumane treatment and torture by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo on June 6, Gammanpila stated that he was disclosing the information at the request of Sale's wife and son.
According to Gammanpila, Sale is being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act pursuant to a detention order issued under the authority of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
He alleged that on a recent occasion Sale was provided with only a small quantity of food, which was reportedly placed on newspaper spread on the floor rather than served on a plate. Gammanpila claimed that the food became inedible when the newspaper became soaked and tore apart.
He further alleged that Sale, deeply distressed by the treatment, remarked that he was being treated worse than a dog and questioned what offence he had committed. According to Gammanpila, Sale has since refused food, water and medication and begun a hunger strike.
Gammanpila also cited a medical report submitted to the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court, claiming that Sale is suffering from severe protein deficiency as well as deficiencies in Vitamins D and B12.
Additional allegations included claims that Sale was subjected to degrading physical examinations, confined for an extended period in a small cell, denied proper sleeping facilities and exposed to conditions designed to disrupt his sleep.
He further alleged that medical professionals had previously warned of a heightened risk of self-harm and criticised authorities for failing to transfer him to appropriate mental health care facilities.
Gammanpila accused the Government of pursuing a politically motivated campaign and urged Sale to abandon his hunger strike, arguing that remaining alive would provide him the opportunity to defend himself and prove his innocence.
He concluded by calling on the public to speak out against what he described as injustice towards a senior military officer who had served the country.
