Counsel representing former Head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Suresh Sallay, have informed Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe of their intention to file a formal complaint against Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Dileepa Peiris. The complaint relates to a statement made by ASG Peiris in open court, in which he reportedly said that Mr. Sallay’s consultations with his lawyers should be conducted under the supervision of officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The Sunday Times learns that President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, appearing for Mr. Sallay, has already conveyed this complaint verbally to the Attorney General, with a formal written complaint expected to be submitted in the coming days.
Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Suresh Sallay’s lawyers have stated that the remarks made during the recent court hearing constitute a violation of the rights of both attorneys and suspects. In addition to raising the matter with the Attorney General regarding ASG Peiris’s comments, Mr. Sallay’s legal team has also decided to lodge a complaint with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).
The Sunday Times further reports that the Sri Lanka Army has also lodged a complaint with the Attorney General against ASG Peiris. This relates to remarks made in court alleging that Army Intelligence personnel had been pressuring witnesses in the case and concealing evidence, and that the military was not cooperating with the investigation. ASG Peiris had further stated that he would be compelled to name the Army Commander as a suspect if such incidents continued.
Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay is currently being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in connection with investigations into the Easter Sunday attack.
