• Court can recommend necessary action on Sallay’s mental health per lawyers submissions 

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) stated that it could not issue recommendations regarding the mental well-being of detainees unless it is formally informed of a pattern or trend indicating such concerns among persons held in custody.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (04), HRCSL Member/Commissioner, Nimal Punchihewa said that although media reports have raised concerns about the psychological condition of certain detainees and suspects involved in high-profile cases, the Commission has not received any formal complaints or reports indicating a trend that would require their intervention.”There are media reports, but there has not been any formal report. If there is any trend like that, the courts can be informed of it. All these witnesses and suspects have counsels. They can inform the courts.  We, as the Commission, can make recommendations only if we are formally informed of such a trend. We can’t do it just because one or two incidents happened,” he said.The issue of detainees’ mental well-being has come under scrutiny following several incidents involving individuals connected to ongoing investigations and court proceedings.

In recent months, a witness linked to the case involving former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella reportedly died by suicide. Separately, a Finance Ministry official who had been under investigation also took his own life. Former Sri Lankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Kapila Chandrasena is also reported to have died by suicide amid legal proceedings.