A nine-member medical panel has informed the Fort Magistrate’s Court that retired Major General Suresh Sallay, the former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), underwent a medical procedure involving the implantation of a device valued at approximately Rs. 4 million in state funds while receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.
Sallay is currently hospitalized following his arrest in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks. The matter involving Sallay and two other suspects was taken up before the Fort Magistrate on September 22.
Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing for the prosecution alongside CID Deputy Inspector General Shani Abeysekara, submitted a medical report signed by nine doctors. The court was informed that Sallay has been hospitalized for more than 100 days since June 7.
According to the prosecution, Sallay initially received treatment in the emergency unit of the National Hospital's cardiology department before being transferred to a general ward on September 21 following dental treatment.
During the hearing, the prosecution stated that Sallay's cardiac and psychological conditions are currently stable. A hospital medical board is scheduled to assess his condition on September 28 and determine whether he can be discharged. The CID informed the court that it is prepared to take him into investigative custody if he is released.
During submissions, the Additional Solicitor General referred to Sallay as the "killer of the Easter attack." The Magistrate immediately intervened, stating that Sallay had not been convicted and remained a suspect. The prosecution subsequently apologized and continued its submissions.
The prosecution also alleged that Sallay has not provided passwords for a laptop and mobile phones seized during the investigation, despite previous court orders. According to the prosecution, the laptop was found inside Sallay's vehicle at the time of his arrest.
The defence disputed the prosecution's position on the passwords. President's Counsel Shavindra Fernando said military intelligence personnel follow security procedures that require passwords to be changed frequently and argued that his client may not retain credentials used months earlier. He also noted that no formal statement had yet been recorded from Sallay, according to the defence.
The prosecution further informed the court that the CID intends to record statements from politicians and other public figures who have publicly commented on the Easter Sunday attacks, saying this would assist in advancing the investigation.
The defence challenged that approach, with President's Counsel Fernando arguing that relying on political statements instead of producing substantive investigative findings reflected what he described as an "investigative bankruptcy" on the part of the CID.
After considering submissions from both sides, the Fort Magistrate directed the CID to submit a comprehensive progress report on the investigation.
The case was adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on October 21.
