Detained Ex-Intelligence Chief Sallay Moved to National Hospital Amid Health Concerns
June 08, Colombo (LNW): Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, the former Director of Sri Lanka’s State Intelligence Service (SIS), was admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo on Sunday (07) after concerns emerged regarding his health while in detention.
Sallay was transferred to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) for medical assessment and care, according to reports. Authorities have not yet disclosed details regarding his condition or the nature of the treatment being provided.
The hospitalisation follows growing concern expressed by family members and legal representatives over his wellbeing. Earlier in the day, Sallay’s wife, Manori Sallay, visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he is being held under detention orders, and stated that her husband had begun a fast-unto-death strike in protest against what he believes to be unfair treatment during his detention.
Speaking to the media following the visit, she described her husband as a public servant who dedicated nearly four decades of his life to national service and appealed for public support during what she characterised as a difficult period for the family. She said she had urged him to abandon the protest but that he remained determined to continue, citing concerns over what he regards as injustice.
Family members, including his wife, son and brother, were granted an opportunity to meet him while he remained in CID custody. Following those visits, fresh concerns were raised about his physical and mental condition.
Separately, Manori Sallay has submitted a written appeal to the Inspector General of Police requesting an independent investigation into allegations surrounding her husband’s treatment while in custody. The complaint calls for an inquiry into claims that include denial of adequate medical attention, abuse of authority and treatment allegedly inconsistent with accepted standards for detainees.
According to the letter, the family believes the circumstances described by Sallay during recent visits raise serious questions regarding his health, safety and fundamental rights. The correspondence also states that he has expressed confidence that ongoing legal proceedings will ultimately clear him of wrongdoing and has instructed his lawyers to continue pursuing legal remedies regardless of future developments.
The family further noted that an earlier complaint concerning similar allegations had reportedly been submitted several months ago, but they claim no update has been provided regarding any investigation or action taken in response.
In light of the reported hunger strike and his subsequent admission to hospital, the family has renewed its appeal for immediate intervention and an impartial examination of the allegations. Authorities have yet to publicly respond to the latest claims.
Major General (Retired) Sallay was taken into custody by the CID in February as part of investigations connected to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and remains under detention pending further legal proceedings.
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