CID denies Sallay request for daily lawyer visits during hospitalisation

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 05:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former SIS Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has rejected a request to allow former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay daily access to his lawyer while he remains under detention and receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

The decision was conveyed by CID Director Shani Abeysekera in a letter addressed to Sallay’s wife, Manori Sallay, following her request that legal counsel Asith Siriwardena be permitted to visit her husband five days a week during his hospital stay.

According to the CID, Major General Sallay is currently undergoing treatment and is temporarily removed from active investigative proceedings. As a result, the department said there is no immediate necessity for daily legal consultations at this stage.

The CID further noted that frequent visits by legal counsel could adversely affect the suspect’s health and recovery process.

The department also pointed out that, in line with existing court directives, Sallay’s lawyer has already been granted permission to visit him once a week, on Wednesdays.

While declining the request for increased legal access, the CID said Sallay’s immediate family members, including his wife, daughter and son, have been authorised to visit him daily at the hospital.

Major General Sallay is currently being detained under a detention order and was admitted to hospital after commencing a hunger strike while in CID custody.