Access to legal counsel denied for Sallay

Colombo National Hospital currently provides treatment to retired Major General Tuan Suresh Sallay following a hunger strike in Criminal Investigation Department custody under detention orders, amidst a refusal by authorities to grant him access to legal counsel.

Criminal Investigation Department Director Shani Abeysekera and Manori Sallay, the wife of Tuan Suresh Sallay, exchanged letters regarding the matter. Manori Sallay requested that her husband see his lawyer, Asitha Siriwardhana, five days a week. Replying yesterday, Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekera stated that because Tuan Suresh Sallay undergoes hospitalisation away from investigative activities, a need for legal advice does not arise at this time.

The Director noted that constant legal meetings could deprive the suspect of mental rest and adversely affect his health, adding that court orders restrict lawyer visits to Wednesdays only. Furthermore, daily access remains blocked for the lawyer because the family receives permission to visit daily.

Responding today, Manori Sallay labelled the denial of legal assistance due to hospitalisation illegal and deeply concerning. She emphasised that legal counsel represents a fundamental right of a detained person rather than a privilege withheld at the discretion of the department.

The hunger strike stems from physical, mental, and emotional pressure endured whilst in custody, placing the full responsibility for his safety on the Director. Despite a two-month detention, questioning occurred only on limited occasions, suggesting the prolonged custody serves to exert severe pressure rather than fulfil an investigative requirement. Rejecting the claim that the block protects his health, she insisted decisions regarding representation rest with the family and lawyers, not the accusing institution, and requested the immediate provision of legal assistance.