Former SIS chief Suresh Sallay suffers from PTSD, anxiety and depression : court told

Medical report had highlighted a risk of suicide arising from his client’s current mental condition 

By Bhagya Silva  

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Suresh Sallay, who has been named as the third suspect in the investigation into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, his counsel informed Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday.  

The submission was made before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena when a motion filed on behalf of Sallay, who is currently being detained under a detention order in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department was taken up before court. 

Appearing for the suspect, President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando informed court that his client had been examined by the Judicial Medical Officer and that, according to the medical report, he is suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression.  

Counsel further submitted that the medical report had identified injuries at five locations on his client’s body and had indicated that he had allegedly been subjected to torture.  

 As a result, Sallay has reportedly been exposed to severe psychological distress, the court was told.  

President’s Counsel further stated that the medical report had highlighted a risk of suicide arising from his client’s current mental condition.  

Accordingly, counsel informed court that he was seeking appropriate directions regarding his client’s present condition and treatment.  

In response, the Magistrate observed that no order could be made without first hearing the position of the complainant party.  

The Magistrate therefore issued notice on the Criminal Investigation Department to make submissions on the motion and fixed the matter to be called again tomorrow at 2.00 p.m.