The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is continuing investigations into a complaint that former State Intelligence Service chief Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay was subjected to mistreatment while held in Criminal Investigation Department custody, Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa said on Tuesday.
The complaint was filed by Sallay’s relatives, who alleged that he was mistreated during his detention at the CID. Statements from CID officers are being recorded again on Tuesday (16) as part of the inquiry, with further officer statements expected to follow, the Commission said. Statements have already been taken from other detainees held in cells adjacent to Sallay.
The Commission conducted a special inspection of the cell where Sallay was being held and found that it was a standard CID cell but had several basic deficiencies, including inadequate ventilation. HRCSL said it has informed CID officials of the shortcomings identified during the inspection.
Sallay is currently receiving treatment in hospital, and the Commission said it is also monitoring the medical care being provided to him.
The inquiry runs in parallel with separate proceedings on Sallay’s access to legal counsel and his medical condition. The CID this week rejected a request from his lawyer for daily consultations, with a court order continuing to limit legal visits to Wednesdays. Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament earlier this week that Sallay was stable and rejected claims of serious illness following his transfer to the National Hospital. The HRCSL had earlier summoned CID officers in June over allegations tied to his detention conditions.
Sallay is being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks investigation, after the Attorney General told court he was a “key driving force” behind the 2019 bombings.
