The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has ordered a comprehensive medical evaluation of former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, following allegations that he was subjected to torture while in detention.
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena directed that a five-member special medical board consisting of psychiatric specialists be appointed to assess Sallay’s physical and mental condition and determine whether there is evidence consistent with torture or ill-treatment during his period in custody.
The examination is to be conducted at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, with the medical board required to submit its findings to the court at the next scheduled hearing.
The order comes amid growing controversy surrounding the detention of the former intelligence chief. Sallay, who has been in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was recently admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo after authorities informed court that his health had deteriorated following a hunger strike.
Lawyers representing Sallay have repeatedly raised concerns regarding his treatment while in detention, prompting the court to seek an independent medical assessment. The appointment of a specialized psychiatric panel is seen as a significant step in ensuring that allegations of torture or custodial abuse are subjected to professional scrutiny.
When the case was taken up last week, the Attorney General requested a court order for this medical examination.
The medical report is expected to play a key role in future proceedings as the court continues to examine matters relating to Sallay’s detention and the conditions under which he has been held.
The case has attracted considerable public attention, with supporters of the retired Major General staging demonstrations and calling for greater transparency regarding the investigation and his welfare while in custody.
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