Magistrate orders National Hospital health report on Suresh Sallay
Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena on Monday ordered the director of the National Hospital to provide a detailed health report on former State Intelligence Service chief Suresh Sallay. The court wants a clear statement of his current medical condition while he remains in custody during the Easter Sunday attacks investigation.
The magistrate asked the hospital to say whether Sallay needs to remain an inpatient or is fit for release so investigators can record his statement. The report should assess his fitness to give a statement and list any ongoing treatment.
State Counsel Oswald Perera, appearing for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), told the court Sallay has been detained in hospital for more than three months, which has prevented the CID from taking his testimony in the Easter Sunday probe.
Perera said investigators have taken statements from people linked to Sallay, but further inquiries are on hold because Sallay remains hospitalised. He asked the court for an updated hospital report so the CID can decide whether to resume interviews and collect more evidence.
President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, representing Sallay, did not oppose a fresh report. He told the court the treating doctors have already given advice on his client’s condition and said, in his view, the CID has not yet attempted to record Sallay’s statement despite the doctors’ advice.
Fernando reminded the court a medical board had been appointed earlier and that its findings remain before the court and investigators.
Magistrate Amarasena noted the court has not received the medical board reports and directed the National Hospital director to submit an updated report. The document must state the diagnosis, the treatment given and whether continued inpatient care is necessary.
Two other suspects were remanded until September 15. The matter will be called again on that date. Court records show these directions and submissions were made in open proceedings at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.
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