• Salley had filed a Fundamental Rights petition through his lawyer alleging that he was arrested on baseless charges

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

Former Western Province Governor Azath Salley, detained under CID custody over controversial remarks he made detrimental to ethnic-religious harmony in the country was yesterday ordered to be remanded till August 31 by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala made this after inspecting the suspect who is currently receiving treatment at Colombo National Hospital.

The Attorney General had earlier informed the Supreme Court that the indictments have been filed in Colombo High Court against Azath Salley in connection with the controversial statement he made on March 9 this year. The indictments have been filed against Salley for committing offences to come under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.

Salley had filed a Fundamental Rights petition through his lawyer alleging that he was arrested on baseless charges and seeking a declaration that his fundamental rights have been violated by the CID through his arrest and detention.