The Attorney General has requested that the Director General of Health Services be ordered to appoint a specialist medical board and submit a report regarding the condition of retired Major General Suresh Sale, former Chief of the State Intelligence Service, who was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital in critical condition after launching a life-threatening hunger strike while in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The crucial court order on this request is scheduled to be delivered today (10) by Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena.
When a motion filed on behalf of Suresh Sale was considered on June 4, a major legal debate arose between the lawyers of both sides regarding his current medical condition and alleged physical and psychological abuse during detention.
“My body is eating its own muscles! (Muscle wasting)”
According to medical summary reports released by the United National Party (UNP) and members of Sale’s family, his body is currently in a severe state of malnutrition due to alleged poor detention conditions lasting over 100 days and his ongoing total hunger strike.
A severe biological breakdown, known as muscle wasting—where the body begins to consume its own muscle tissue to generate energy—is reportedly occurring. Due to the complete hunger strike, the depletion of essential electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium has placed him at serious risk of vital organ failure, including the brain, lungs, and heart, as well as fatal conditions such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or complete renal failure.
Citing a Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) report, President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, appearing for Suresh Sale, told the court that his client is currently suffering from a “moderate to severe depressive episode” and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and is at high risk of suicide.
“I am not an animal! I am ashamed to say the rest!” – Sale reportedly cries
On June 4 in court, Sale’s lawyer revealed a statement he had made during medical consultations: “I am in a 6×4 room. There are rats. There is no fan. People dressed in white came and asked me to remove my clothes. I was searched in front of all detainees. They asked me to stretch my arms. I am ashamed to say the rest. Am I an animal? I have served 37 years in public service…”
“He is not a cucumber; give him an Oscar!” – CID responds
Strongly opposing these claims, Additional Solicitor General Dilipa Peiris, appearing for the CID, said the motion was a deliberate attempt to mislead the court.
He stated that the suspect meets his lawyers, wife, and child every Wednesday. “If he was tortured, why didn’t they tell them? I completely reject this psychiatric report. Suresh Sale attended the medical examination while crying. My Lord, these are intelligence officers—do such people cry? He is not a cucumber; he is a good actor. He should be given an Oscar,” the Additional Solicitor General strongly argued.
While the CID has accused Suresh Sale of being the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks, opposition parties claim that the suspect’s human rights and medical recommendations are being violated. The court’s decision regarding the medical board order on this critical legal issue is expected today at the Fort Magistrate’s Court.
Summary Medical Note
A summary of the medical report concerning the current health condition of retired intelligence chief Major General Suresh Sale, released as an annex to a media statement by the United National Party (UNP) on the 9th, is provided below:
Imminent Risk to Life Due to Hunger Strike and Alleged Detention Abuse
Retired Major General Suresh Sale, while held in solitary custody by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), is reportedly facing an immediate and severe threat to his life. Due to prolonged physical deterioration, substandard detention conditions, and alleged systematic mistreatment, he has initiated a “fast unto death.” Combined with the conditions of detention, this hunger strike has led to a rapid physiological collapse:
Severe malnutrition and muscle wasting
Due to over 100 days of inadequate and poor-quality food, combined with the current complete hunger strike, his body is suffering from severe malnutrition. As energy reserves are depleted, his muscles are actively wasting away, a condition worsened by the ongoing fast.
Organ failure risk (heart, lungs, brain)
There is an imminent risk of failure of vital organs, including the heart, lungs, and brain. Factors such as prolonged sleep deprivation, confinement in a poorly ventilated cell, and lack of prescribed medical treatment have further increased this systemic risk.
Severe electrolyte imbalance and nutrient depletion
The complete cessation of food and fluid intake has led to dangerous imbalances in essential electrolytes (notably potassium, sodium, and magnesium), along with depletion of essential vitamins and minerals.
Risk of cardiac arrest, stroke, or kidney failure
Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance may lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, or complete kidney failure.
Mental health condition (based on JMO findings)
The report describes a moderate to severe depressive episode with PTSD symptoms and a high risk of suicide. He is currently under medical care at the National Hospital and has also been referred to a psychiatrist.
