The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has declined a request seeking daily access for legal counsel to former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Chief Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, who is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo.
Sallay was admitted to hospital after commencing a hunger strike while being held in CID custody under a detention order.
The decision was formally conveyed by CID Director Shani Abeysekara in a written response addressed to Sallay’s wife, Manori Sallay.
According to reports, Manori Sallay had requested permission for her husband’s lawyer, Asitha Siriwardena, to meet him five days each week. In response, the CID stated that Sallay is presently undergoing treatment and is not actively participating in investigative proceedings, making daily legal consultations unnecessary at this stage.
The communication further explained that repeated meetings with legal counsel could reduce the mental rest considered necessary for recovery and may negatively affect his current health condition.
The CID also noted that an existing court order already permits legal access once each week, specifically on Wednesdays.
As a result, authorities confirmed that lawyer visits will continue under the existing arrangement, while daily visitation remains available to close family members, including his wife, daughter and son.
The request for additional legal meetings has therefore been rejected.
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