100 Days in Hospital: ‘Premeditated Medical Conspiracy’ in Suresh Salley Case

COLOMBO (News 1st); One hundred days after being admitted to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Salley has become the centre of a fresh legal controversy, with prosecutors alleging what they described in court as a “premeditated medical conspiracy” aimed at obstructing investigations linked to the Easter Sunday attacks.

The developments unfolded before Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena when the case against Salley, who is accused of misleading investigations relating to the Easter attacks, was taken up once again.

During proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, informed court that Salley, who is being held under detention orders in connection with the investigation, had remained hospitalized at the National Hospital since June 7 and had now completed 100 days as an inpatient.

Presenting a further report on the progress of the probe, the Additional Solicitor General argued that investigators had serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding Salley’s prolonged hospitalization.

He submitted that Salley had initially relied on a psychiatric report placed before court claiming that he had suffered severe mental distress and suicidal tendencies while in detention. According to the prosecution, Salley had later commenced a hunger strike shortly after a foreign travel ban was imposed on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in relation to the ongoing Easter attacks investigation, before being admitted to the National Hospital on June 7.

The prosecution further contended that investigators suspected the suspect was remaining in hospital unnecessarily despite not suffering from any serious medical condition.

Peiris told court that investigators believed the lengthy hospitalization may have been intended to delay the investigation and shield individuals allegedly connected to the offences under scrutiny. Referring to the circumstances as a “premeditated medical conspiracy,” he urged the court to examine why the relevant medical reports had not been submitted despite judicial orders.

Following the submissions, the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court issued notices on the Director of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, directing him to appear before court on September 22 and explain why medical reports concerning Salley’s condition had not been furnished.

The court further ordered the hospital director to explain why reports prepared by a five-member medical board appointed by the court to assess Salley’s health condition had also not been submitted.

The Magistrate noted that the court had previously requested detailed medical assessments regarding Salley’s condition and whether he required continued inpatient treatment. However, those reports had not been produced despite the court's directives.

As a result, the Director of the National Hospital has now been ordered to appear before court and show cause for the non-compliance with the judicial orders.

Meanwhile, the court was also told that submissions were made regarding how investigators believe Salley was linked to matters connected to the Easter Sunday attacks.

Details of those submissions are expected to emerge during the course of the day.