This is a time to honor 'Sale', not a time to arrest him.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa expresses his deep regret regarding the arrest of former State Intelligence Chief Suresh Sallay. He points out that Mr. Sallay, who made an exceptional contribution to eradicating the brutal terrorism that existed in this country, should be given respect, not an arrest, at this time.

The former President made these remarks yesterday (12th) while attending the meritorious ceremony to unveil the pinnacle of the newly constructed stupa (Chaitya Rajaya) at the Sirimangala Ancient Temple in Tissamaharama.

Responding to questions posed by journalists on that occasion, Mr. Rajapaksa further emphasized that during his tenure, he worked to protect the Sambuddha Sasana (Buddhist dispensation) to the highest degree, and there is a question as to whether the current government is providing such a service to the Sasana.