Medical Board extends Salley’s hospital stay as Court orders alternative access to devices

By The Pulseline News Desk

Former State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director Suresh Salley will remain at the Colombo National Hospital for treatment until September 28, following a recommendation by the hospital’s medical board, the Fort Magistrate’s Court was informed today.

The Director of the National Hospital appeared before the court in response to notices issued by the Magistrate and submitted the medical report concerning Salley’s condition.

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris, appearing for the Hospital Director, told court that the medical board had recommended that Salley continue receiving treatment at the hospital until September 28.

He said a fresh medical assessment would be carried out by that date to determine the former intelligence chief’s condition and the appropriate course of action thereafter.

The hospitalisation has become a significant issue in the ongoing proceedings involving Salley, with the Attorney General’s Department appearing for the National Hospital Director.

The Deputy Solicitor General told court that the Attorney General’s Department was representing the Director because he is a public servant.

However, the prosecution maintained its previously stated position that Salley’s admission to the National Hospital was part of what it described as a “medical conspiracy.”

Password dispute

The court was also informed that Salley continues to refuse to provide passwords required to access his mobile phone and laptop.

According to the Additional Solicitor General, Salley has claimed that he has forgotten the passwords to both devices.

The devices are understood to be relevant to the ongoing investigation, prompting the court to consider alternative means of accessing their contents.

After considering the submissions, the Fort Magistrate ordered that steps be taken to access the devices through alternative methods rather than relying on passwords provided by Salley.

The order adds another dimension to the proceedings, as investigators seek to obtain information contained in the electronic devices while Salley remains under medical treatment.

The court is expected to consider the fresh medical assessment on September 28, while proceedings relating to the electronic devices and the wider investigation continue.