Former head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay has been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital, a short while ago.
Hospital sources said that he was admitted to the hospital’s Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) for medical care.
Further details regarding his current health condition have not yet been released.
Earlier today, the wife of Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, Manori Sallay stated that her husband served the country for 38 years, dedicating his life, and that the time has now come for the public to show gratitude for that service.
She made these remarks when she visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today to meet Suresh Sallay, who has reportedly begun a “fast unto death” in protest.
She further said that although she had asked her husband to abandon the hunger strike, he was not willing to accept it and continues to stand against what he considers injustice.
She also claimed that Suresh Sallay, who is still only a suspect, is being treated in a very inhumane manner and that there is no fairness in the way he is being handled.
Sallay's wife, son, and brother visited the CID today to see him while he is being held under detention orders.
Meanwhile, the wife of Major General Suresh Sallay wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling for an independent criminal investigation into alleged inhumane treatment during his detention in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department.
In her letter, she requested an inquiry into allegations including torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, abuse of authority, denial of medical care, and other possible offences allegedly committed while he remains in state custody.
The letter outlined 10 points based on information reportedly conveyed by Maj. Gen. Sallay during a family visit on June 6, when he met his son and brother. The letter noted that the alleged treatment raises serious concerns over his safety, health, dignity, and fundamental rights.
According to the correspondence, Maj. Gen. Sallay has informed his family that he has commenced a “fast unto death,” stating that he can no longer endure what he describes as continued mental distress, degrading treatment, and systemic unfairness while in custody.
He has also reportedly said that he remains confident that pending writ proceedings will establish his innocence and has instructed his legal representatives to continue legal action even in the event of his death.
Given the reported hunger strike and concerns over his health, his wife has urged the IGP to intervene immediately.
She further noted that a separate complaint regarding alleged inhumane treatment was submitted to the IGP’s office on March 7. However, she claims that no response has been received so far, and that the family has not been informed of any investigation, statements recorded, or officers assigned to inquire into the matter.
The letter stated that the absence of a response is particularly concerning given that the allegations involve a person in state custody, where authorities have a heightened duty to protect life, health, safety, dignity, and constitutional rights.
Accordingly, she requested that the IGP treat the latest communication as a renewed complaint and an urgent request for immediate intervention, investigation, and accountability.
The former head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay was arrested by the CID on February 25 over allegations linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings and remains in detention under a court order.
