The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has declined a request to grant daily legal access to former Head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo after commencing a hunger strike while in CID custody under a detention order.
The decision was communicated in writing by CID Director Shani Abeysekara to Sallay’s wife, Manori Sallay.
According to reports, Manori Sallay had requested the CID to allow her husband’s lawyer, Asitha Siriwardena, to meet him five days a week. Responding to the request, the CID Director stated that Sallay is presently hospitalised and not involved in any ongoing investigative proceedings, and therefore there is no immediate necessity for him to receive legal consultations on a daily basis.
The letter further noted that frequent meetings with legal counsel could deprive the detainee of the mental rest required for recovery and may have an adverse impact on his health condition.
The CID also pointed out that, in accordance with a court order, Sallay’s lawyer is already permitted to meet him once a week, on Wednesdays.
Accordingly, the CID has informed Manori Sallay that legal counsel will continue to be granted access only on Wednesdays, while daily visitation rights remain available to close family members, including his wife, daughter and son.
Accordingly, the request for additional meetings with the lawyer has been rejected.
