The family of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay says his health is deteriorating day by day, with his life at significant risk, Ada Derana reported.
After visiting him on Friday (12), family members said the worsening condition had become a matter of serious concern. They did not detail the specific clinical findings but said the deterioration meant his life could be at “significant risk”.
Sallay was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital on June 7 from Criminal Investigation Department (CID) custody after his condition deteriorated during a “fast unto death” he began in detention. He remains under detention orders issued under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court appointed a five-member medical panel on June 10 to examine his condition, and the Court of Appeal adjourned his writ challenge to the PTA detention until July 10. His wife and lawyer have separately written to the CID Director seeking daily hospital access after the Fort Magistrate ruled he lacked the authority to order such visits under the PTA framework.
Update — June 15: Health Minister rejects family’s deterioration claims
Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa on Monday rejected the family’s claims that Sallay’s condition had deteriorated, saying the former intelligence chief is stable and that no critical condition has been reported by treating doctors, NewsFirst reported. “There is absolutely no such critical condition at present. He is receiving treatment at the National Hospital in accordance with the law under detention orders. There is no such issue. All specialist doctors are examining him. He is being provided with the necessary nutrition,” the Minister told reporters. He directly dismissed family claims of swelling in Sallay’s limbs, saying he had received no such report.
Jayatissa said that prior to hospitalisation, the Criminal Investigation Department had responded immediately to all of Sallay’s health complaints — dental issues, skin conditions and nutrition — working alongside health authorities to address them. “After hospitalisation, all necessary examinations are being carried out and the required treatment is being provided,” he said. Pressed on whether the government’s position contradicted the family’s account, the Minister said medical decisions would be guided by the specialist doctors’ recommendations: “What matters most is the recommendation of the specialist doctors at the National Hospital. We act based on those medical assessments.”
Sources: Former SIS Chief Suresh Sallay’s health reportedly deteriorating; family raises concerns — Ada Derana, June 12; Salley Stable in Hospital, Govt Rejects Serious Illness Claim — NewsFirst, June 15.
