Manori Sallay, wife of detained former intelligence chief Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay, has lodged a complaint with the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses, alleging that she and her children have been subjected to surveillance, intimidation and threats by an individual believed to be attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

In a letter dated 20th June 2026 addressed to the Chairman of the Authority, Manori Sallay said her husband, the former head of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), is currently receiving treatment at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka while in CID custody under a detention order linked to investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks.

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Background to the complaint

Manori Sallay said she had earlier lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), bearing case number 1103/26, over the arrest and detention of her husband and subsequent allegations of torture and inhuman treatment while in custody.

She added that during the proceedings, the Officer-in-Charge of the CID had admitted that her husband had been subjected to a strip search in the presence of other detainees, conduct she described as inhuman and degrading.

Surveillance allegations

According to the letter, family members had repeatedly observed an individual believed to be attached to the CID, dressed in civilian clothing, engaging in what she described as suspicious surveillance, including video recording and monitoring of the family’s movements outside the hospital.

She detailed an incident said to have occurred on the day of the letter, involving her 17-year-old daughter and 22-year-old son after they visited their father.

The children told her that a CID officer had entered a lift with them and appeared to follow them.

After noticing members of the media nearby, they changed their route and left through a different gate. Mrs Sallay said that upon entering their vehicle, they again saw the same individual, who then took out his phone and began recording or photographing them.

Her son managed to photograph the individual, which she has submitted to the Authority as evidence.

Manori Sallay said the same individual had also previously been seen loitering near their vehicle when parked close to CID premises.

Request for protection

In her letter, she said the incidents had caused her family considerable fear and distress, and expressed concern that officers from the same institution accused of mistreating her husband were now monitoring her children.

She has requested that the National Authority for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses:

• Launch an independent investigation into the alleged surveillance and recording of her family
  – Identify the individual in the photograph and determine the purpose of the surveillance and who authorised it
  – Provide protective measures for her and her children under the relevant law
  – Prevent further harassment or interference
  – Keep her informed of progress in the investigation.
• ( Source- The Leader)