Officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have been instructed to appear before the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) this week to provide information regarding ongoing investigations related to former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay.
Human Rights Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa said the HRCSL has already initiated an inquiry into the matter based on a complaint filed by relatives of Suresh Sallay.
He said CID officers had previously been instructed to appear before the Commission last week but were unable to do so and requested another date.
Accordingly, officers involved in the investigation, including the officer-in-charge, have now been directed to appear before the HRCSL during the course of this week.
The Human Rights Commission has also conducted additional inquiries in connection with the matter, including visits to the CID and the National Hospital of Colombo, where statements were recorded, he added.
Meanwhile, the former Director of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay remains hospitalized and has not been consuming food or water, according to his wife, Manori Sallay.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the hospital yesterday (08), Manori Sallay said her husband has not been consuming food or water and remains in a serious condition.
She said he is being closely monitored by doctors and is being administered saline. “He is still not eating or drinking anything. He is in a critical condition. The doctors are monitoring him. He is on saline. He has not ended his fast,” she said.
Family members also confirmed Suresh Sallay remains under medical care at the Colombo National Hospital.
Suresh Sallay was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on February 25 on charges related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. He was subsequently held under detention orders in CID custody.
It has been alleged that CID officers treated him in an inhumane and cruel manner, prompting him to begin a “fast unto death,” by refusing food and water, according to former Member of Parliament Udaya Gammanpila, who made the disclosure.
Later, his wife, the son, and the brother, who visited him yesterday, also confirmed that Suresh Sallay was on a hunger strike.
Subsequently, CID officers transferred Sallay to the Colombo National Hospital at around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday after he reportedly fell ill while continuing to refuse food and water.
