LEN - www.lankaenews.com | ASG Dileepa Alleges "Medical Conspiracy" in Suresh Sallay Case; Magistrate Summons National Hospital Director

ASG Dileepa Alleges "Medical Conspiracy" in Suresh Sallay Case; Magistrate Summons National Hospital Director

By Ruwan Weerakoon

Colombo Fort Magistrate Demands Explanation Over Missing Medical Report as Hearing Postponed to September 22

(Lanka-e-News -17.Sep.2026,4.00PM) The Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court yesterday (September 15) ordered the Director of the Colombo National Hospital to appear in person on September 22 to explain the failure to submit a court-ordered medical report regarding former Director of State Intelligence Suresh Sallay.

The order was issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena following lengthy submissions by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Dileepa Peiris, appearing for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who alleged a "major medical conspiracy" surrounding Sallay's nearly 100-day hospitalization.

Prosecution Questions Extended Hospital Stay

ASG Peiris challenged the necessity of Sallay's prolonged hospital admission, noting that patients recovering from major procedures—such as heart transplants—typically face far shorter stays.

The prosecution submitted that hospital records indicated Sallay had received routine treatments, including dental fillings, ear cleaning, and the fitting of a heart rhythm device. ASG Peiris alleged that the suspect was using the hospital as a "resting place" to obstruct ongoing investigations and shield higher-ranking figures.

The court was informed that:

September 2 Order Unfulfilled: A direct judicial order issued on September 2 requesting a report on whether Sallay required continued in-patient care remains unexecuted.

Medical Board Obstruction: The National Hospital declined to release records directly to CID officers or to a court-appointed five-member medical board, stating such data must be transmitted strictly via judicial channels.

Prior Release Attempts: The prosecution highlighted previous attempts by the suspect to secure release using a psychiatric report, as well as a hunger strike initiated three days after travel bans were imposed on alleged associates.

Serious Allegations Over Easter Sunday Intelligence Failures

Beyond the medical dispute, the CID presented extensive submissions concerning intelligence handling prior to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, alleging that key information was deliberately suppressed or ignored.

The Giritale Informant ("Thambiyan"): The DSG stated that a former LTTE member working as an informant for Military Intelligence (under the 3rd Army Field Intelligence Unit based in Giritale) passed crucial details regarding suicide bomber Zahran Hashim to Military Intelligence officers. The prosecution alleged this information was never forwarded to the Director of Military Intelligence.
Eve-of-Attack Warning: The prosecution alleged the informant provided an explicit warning regarding an impending attack the day before the bombings, yet no preventative action was initiated.

Political & Financial Connections: Submissions implicated politician Rishad Bathiudeen and businessman Alavudeen (uncle of Shangri-La bomber Insaf Ahmed). The CID alleged that Zahran’s network utilized a speedboat linked to Alavudeen to travel to India, and that Sallay’s subsequent appointment as Director of State Intelligence served to conceal key perpetrators.

The Sainthamaruthu Operation: The prosecution raised questions regarding the military operation in Sainthamaruthu five days after the bombings—which resulted in 16 deaths, including the death of investigating journalist Niyaz—questioning why suspects were not taken alive.

CID Seeks Travel Ban for Intelligence Inspector

The CID further detailed an April 3, 2019 foreign intelligence alert received by then-DSI Nilantha Jayawardena. The warning was passed down to Police Inspector Ranjan Senarath Bandara of the State Intelligence extremist unit.

According to the DSG, Inspector Bandara traveled to the Eastern Province and met with "Seyni" (Zahran Hashim's brother). Rather than executing an arrest, the prosecution alleged Inspector Bandara merely met Seyni over tea before returning. Flagging Inspector Bandara as a potential flight risk, the CID requested an immediate travel ban.

Defence Rejects Claims as Unsubstantiated

President's Counsel Sawindra Fernando, appearing with attorney Asith Sirivardhana for Suresh Sallay, strongly resisted the prosecution's arguments.

The Defence argued that:
"B" Reports Are Not Evidence: Statements contained within CID "B" reports represent unverified allegations rather than established legal proof.

Indirect Implication: The prosecution's lengthy submissions described actions allegedly taken by Sallay's subordinates rather than establishing direct culpability by the suspect.

Lack of Medical Authority: Counsel noted that neither CID officers nor State Legal Officers possess the medical expertise required to evaluate a patient's clinical condition, which remains strictly the domain of certified medical authorities.

Next Steps and Court Directives

Magistrate Pasan Amarasena reiterated that the court had formally constituted a five-member medical board to evaluate Sallay. Case proceedings were adjourned to September 22, with formal notice issued to the Director of the Colombo National Hospital to appear and show cause for:

Failing to submit the medical evaluation ordered on September 2.
Failure to provide the requested medical records to the five-member judicial medical board.

Note: The submissions presented in court represent arguments by the prosecution and defence counsel. Final legal determinations remain subject to judicial evaluation and formal trial proceedings.