Ex-Intel Chief Suresh Salley Suffering From PTSD; Lawyer Alleges Torture & Risk Of Self-Harm

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court was informed that former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Major General (Retd.) Suresh Salley is suffering from serious mental health conditions while in custody.

The revelation was made before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today, where President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, appearing on behalf of Suresh Salley, presented a motion outlining his client’s medical condition.

The case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, as Salley remains in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department under detention orders.

Suresh Salley has been named as the third suspect in the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, one of the deadliest incidents in Sri Lanka’s history.

His legal team informed court that he has undergone examination by a Judicial Medical Officer, whose report confirms that he is currently suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe mental stress, and depression.

According to President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, the medical report also indicates that Salley had allegedly been subjected to torture at five different locations.

The lawyer told court that these alleged incidents have contributed to his client’s deteriorating psychological condition, leaving him under extreme mental distress.

In a further alarming disclosure, court was informed that the medical findings suggest Suresh Salley may be at risk of self-harm or suicide.

His legal counsel requested the court to issue appropriate orders in light of the seriousness of the situation and the medical recommendations.

However, Magistrate Pasan Amarasena stated that a ruling could not be made without first hearing the position of the complainant party.

Accordingly, the court directed the Criminal Investigation Department to present its submissions on the matter.

Notices were issued to the CID to respond, and the case has been scheduled to be taken up again tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.