A medical board including the Director of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka has recommended that former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Salley is fit to be discharged from the Colombo National Hospital, the Attorney General informed the court. Salley, who is identified as the third suspect in the ongoing proceedings and had been receiving medical care in Ward 42, is being prepared for transfer back into the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department.
The medical assessment follows prior court proceedings where the hospital director indicated that a final determination regarding Salley’s status would be finalized on September 28, 2026. Following the submission of the final medical report signed by ten medical specialists, the Magistrate summoned the physicians to clarify findings. Appearing before open court were Director Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara, Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Gamini Galappaththi, Consultant Physician Dr. N.M. Perera, Consultant Physician Dr. Yamuna Senadheera, Consultant Nutritionist Dr. Nalinda Herath, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Anuprabha Wickremesinghe, Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Susith Amarasinghe, Consultant Physician Dr. Varuni Samaranayake, Consultant Microbiologist Dr. Mahen Kothalawala, and Consultant Dental Surgeon Dr. Asanga Gunathilaka. Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Janaka Akarawita was absent due to being overseas.
Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General to represent the state-employed medical officials, confirmed that discussions were held with the doctors alongside the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department. The medical report outlined six essential directives: administering prescribed medications on time, maintaining a suitable environment, keeping the suspect under medical supervision, scheduling regular follow-ups at medical clinics, providing treatment for allergic reactions, and referring him to the cardiology unit should complications arise regarding an implanted cardiac device.
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Peiris challenged Salley’s level of cooperation with investigators, noting that his health issues stemmed from a genetic condition worsened by a self-imposed fast. Peiris highlighted that while Salley had the capacity to file an extensive Court of Appeal application featuring 46 documents totaling 9,700 pages alongside a 247-page affidavit, he claimed an inability to recall his mobile phone password. Defense counsel asserted that the password was changed every three days. Peiris further pointed out Salley’s military intelligence background and entitlement to free treatment at the Army Hospital before raising questions about his personal hygiene, remarking that he had not cleaned his ears or brushed his teeth.
President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, representing Salley, raised immediate objections to the characterization, urging the Additional Solicitor General to avoid derogatory remarks and address the court appropriately. In response, Peiris pressed forward, asking who was standing up to speak for the victims in the case and ensure their treatment was not overlooked.
Key Developments
- The National Hospital of Sri Lanka medical board ruled former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Salley fit for discharge, paving the way for his return to Criminal Investigation Department custody.
- Ten medical specialists submitted a signed report detailing six management requirements, including supervision of an implanted cardiac device and clinic follow-ups.
- Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris questioned Salley’s claim that he cannot remember his mobile phone password despite filing 9,700 pages of legal documents in the Court of Appeal.
- President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando objected to the prosecution’s remarks regarding the suspect’s personal conduct and hygiene during open court submissions.
Arrangements remain underway to transition Salley from hospital care back into custody, while the court continues to evaluate his compliance with ongoing criminal inquiries.