June 15, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has turned down a request seeking increased legal access for former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who remains under medical care at the National Hospital in Colombo following a hunger strike launched while being held under a detention order.
The decision was formally conveyed by CID Director Shani Abeysekara in a letter addressed to Sallay’s wife, Manori Sallay, after she appealed for her husband’s legal representative, Attorney-at-Law Asitha Siriwardena, to be permitted to visit him on a daily basis during the working week.
In its response, the CID maintained that there was no compelling requirement for such frequent consultations at present, noting that Sallay is currently receiving treatment in hospital and is not actively participating in any investigative procedures. Officials further argued that routine legal meetings beyond the existing arrangement could interfere with the rest and recovery considered necessary for his medical condition.
The department also highlighted that a standing court directive already allows Sallay’s lawyer to meet him once a week, specifically on Wednesdays, and that this arrangement remains in force.
While declining the request for additional legal visits, the CID confirmed that immediate family members, including Sallay’s wife and children, continue to enjoy daily visitation privileges while he remains hospitalised.
As a result, the request to expand access for legal counsel has been refused, with authorities opting to retain the current visitation framework until further notice.