Sallay’s condition stable, no critical health risks: Minister Nalinda Jayatissa

Colombo, June 16 (Daily Mirror) - The government has dismissed claims made by opposition political parties regarding the deteriorating health of the detained former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Suresh Sallay.

Speaking to the media, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that Sallay is in stable condition and is receiving standard medical care.

The Minister's remarks come in response to allegations from an opposition party claiming that Sallay is in a critical state.

Earlier, the political faction claimed that the government and the President must hold full responsibility if any fatal incident occurs during his detention.

Addressing these claims directly, Minister Jayatissa clarified that there is absolutely no critical threat to Sallay's life or health as reported in certain political circles.

"He is currently under detention orders and is receiving legal, standard medical treatment at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka," Minister Jayatissa said.

He said that a specialised team of medical doctors is closely monitoring Sallay's well-being, ensuring that all necessary medications and proper dietary nutrition are being provided systemically without any issues.

Responding to questions regarding his family’s complaints about a lack of appropriate care, Minister Jayatissa said that no such adverse developments have been medically reported.

He said that even prior to being admitted to the National Hospital, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) immediately attended to every single health complaint raised by Sallay, including specific dental issues and skin conditions.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has denied a request to grant daily legal access to Suresh Sallay.

The decision was communicated in writing to the suspect’s wife, Manori Sallay, by CID Director Shani Abeysekera. The response came after Mrs Sallay formally requested the department to permit her husband's legal counsel, Asith Siriwardena, to visit him five days a week during his hospitalisation.

In the official letter, the CID Director explained that because Major General Sallay is currently hospitalised and temporarily removed from active investigative proceedings, there is no immediate necessity for daily legal consultations at this stage.

Furthermore, the CID Director cited health and well-being concerns, stating that frequent visits from legal counsel could affect the suspect’s recovery and overall condition.

The letter also pointed out that, pursuant to existing judicial directives, the attorney has already been granted permission to visit the suspect once a week, specifically on Wednesdays.