Headline:
Suresh Sallay Hospitalised Amid Health Concerns While in CID Custody
Former State Intelligence Service Director, Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay, has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for emergency medical treatment, according to media reports.
Hospital sources said Sallay was transferred to the hospital’s Emergency Treatment Unit shortly after admission as his condition reportedly required urgent medical attention.
Sallay is currently being held under remand custody in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. He was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on February 25 and has remained in custody under court orders since then.
Reports indicate that Sallay had launched a hunger strike while in CID custody, alleging that he was subjected to inhumane treatment. However, Sri Lanka Police has strongly denied the allegations, maintaining that no assault or cruel treatment was inflicted on the suspect.
His legal representatives have informed authorities that Sallay had sought urgent access to documents needed to prepare his last will and testament, citing fears that his death could be imminent. According to his lawyers, he has also expressed a wish to donate his eyes.
In a letter addressed to CID Director Shani Abeysekara, Sallay’s lawyers requested his transfer to a medical facility with enhanced treatment capabilities and called for an independent medical board to assess his condition.
Meanwhile, former minister Udaya Gammanpila had earlier alleged that Sallay was being subjected to torture while in CID custody, claims that attracted significant political and public attention. Police have categorically rejected those allegations.
Sallay’s wife, Manori Sallay, has also lodged a written complaint with the Inspector General of Police, calling for an independent investigation into what she described as inhumane and degrading treatment. The complaint includes allegations of inadequate medical care, poor living conditions, restrictions on sanitation access after 10 p.m., and insufficient food provisions.
She claims these conditions have contributed to serious health complications and has urged authorities to conduct an immediate and impartial inquiry.
Police, however, continue to deny all allegations of mistreatment and insist that Sallay has not been subjected to any inhumane treatment while in custody.
