by Our Correspondent in Colombo
A Colombo court has ordered Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to urgently respond to allegations surrounding the detention conditions of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay, after defense lawyers warned that he faces a high risk of suicide following severe psychological deterioration.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena issued an immediate notice to the CID on June 3, directing investigators to appear before court the following day and explain the circumstances surrounding Sallay’s detention. The order came after President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, appearing for the former intelligence chief, presented an urgent motion supported by findings from a Judicial Medical Officer (JMO).
According to the defense, the confidential forensic medical report concluded that Sallay is suffering from serious mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe depression, and extreme psychological distress. The report reportedly identified him as being at a high risk of suicide and linked his condition to alleged physical and psychological abuse during his detention.
Sallay, who is currently being held under detention orders as the third suspect in the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, was arrested on February 25. His legal team alleges that between March 2 and March 6, he was transferred to a dark punishment cell located near a toilet within CID premises and subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment.
Defense lawyers told the court that the former intelligence chief first indicated to family members during a visit on March 7 that he was experiencing mistreatment while in custody. Following the visit, his wife lodged a written complaint with the Inspector General of Police, requesting an investigation into the alleged abuse. The defense claims that no response has been received to date.
The court was informed that, after legal efforts by the defense, Sallay was examined by a Judicial Medical Officer under a court order issued on April 22. The resulting report, submitted to court in late May, allegedly contains recommendations recognizing evidence of physical and psychological torture and warning of the severe impact on his mental health.
Fernando told the court that the medical findings indicate the former intelligence chief has suffered a significant mental breakdown and continues to experience symptoms associated with depression, PTSD, and severe stress. He argued that Sallay should be transferred immediately from CID custody to a safer environment in order to protect his life.
The defense also raised concerns regarding potential evidence related to the allegations. The court heard that Sallay’s wife formally requested the preservation of CCTV footage from CID premises, arguing that independent digital evidence connected to the alleged abuse could otherwise be lost or destroyed.
Magistrate Amarasena stated that, despite the seriousness of the allegations presented by the defense, the court could not issue an order affecting the suspect’s detention conditions without first hearing the position of the CID. As a result, the matter was adjourned until June 4, when investigating officers have been instructed to appear before the court and present their response.
The outcome of the hearing is expected to determine whether further measures will be taken regarding the detention and welfare of Suresh Sallay as legal scrutiny intensifies over the treatment of one of Sri Lanka’s most senior former intelligence officials.
