M.A. Shehan Kumar, M. Gimhana Tarusha Kumar, and M.A. Samira are brothers living in the same house in the Talpe area. On June 8th, around 8:00 PM, while they were watching television, five officers in civilian clothes arrived and began assaulting Shehan Gayantha Kumar, the second child of the family. At this time, the eldest son questioned why his brother was being taken by the police, to which they responded it was due to an issue with a gas cylinder.
The mother arrived home at this time and stated that the Galle Police had already filed a case regarding this gas issue and that they had received bail. The Habaraduwa Police stated that this was irrelevant to them and that they were acting on a complaint they had received. The family recorded this incident on video. The police officers then stated, “Do whatever you want if you can’t video,” and called for additional officers to the location.
Subsequently, six more officers arrived on three motorcycles and assaulted the group, confiscated their mobile phones, and handcuffed them. They were beaten while being taken to the police station, and once there, other officers also assaulted them. They were thrown into a room, ordered to kneel, and further beaten with a cinnamon stick. They were periodically assaulted and forced to unlock their mobile phones. The police then deleted the videos they had recorded.
When one of them requested Panadol (pain medication), it was denied. The next day, June 9th, they were presented to court, where Shehan Kumar was remanded while the other three were granted bail. As of now, all of them have received bail.
Regarding this incident, the Galle Human Rights First Aid Center has filed complaints with the Human Rights Commission, Police Commission, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police, Galle District Deputy Inspector General of Police, and the Prison Authority.
For legal assistance regarding such incidents, complaints can be submitted to either the Galle Human Rights First Aid Center or our head office.
Galle Human Rights First Aid Center Nirosha Lakmali – 0776969880
Right to Life Human Rights Organization 0112-669100 www.right2lifelanka.org
