Sallay walking around, dressing himself

Colombo, June 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Government has denied allegations regarding the ill-treatment and torture of former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Sallay while under the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Responding to questions during a post-cabinet press briefing, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa addressed complaints made by Sallay’s wife to the Human Rights Commission, which alleged restricted space and poor conditions in his detention cell.

Minister Jayatissa clarified that the holding facilities at the CID were not newly constructed or specifically modified for Suresh Sallay after September 2024.

He said that the spacious cell currently being used has housed numerous detainees under detention orders in the past without any prior complaints. The Minister said that standard legal procedures are being followed, and Sallay is being treated in accordance with regular regulations governing detainees.

Addressing concerns over Sallay's ongoing hunger strike and reported life-threatening health risks, Minister Jayatissa said that while Sallay is refusing oral food intake, his life is not in danger.

"The issue with Suresh Sallay is not that he is being denied food, but that he is refusing to consume it orally. As a medical doctor, I can tell you that if someone is claimed to be completely fasting for 16 days, there should be a severe issue. However, he is walking around, dressing himself, and receiving necessary nutrition directly into his stomach through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Even the food brought from home by his wife is being channeled into his stomach through this NG tube. If they feel the amount is insufficient, his wife can simply bring more food. There is absolutely no threat to his life," the minister said.

The Cabinet Spokesman criticized the public spectacles, media briefings, and religious ceremonies being held outside over Sallay's refusal to eat, stating that the solution lies in his family persuading him to resume normal meals rather than seeking media attention.

He said that the CID is currently conducting investigations into a heinous crime committed in the country, and as a law-abiding citizen, Sallay's responsibility is to fully cooperate with the ongoing criminal investigation process.