Colombo Additional Magistrate Keminda Perera has ordered the exhumation of the body of Sathsara Nimesh, a young man from Meegahakivula in Badulla, who died while in the custody of Welikada Police. The order includes conducting a comprehensive post-mortem examination by a panel of three specialist doctors, with findings to be submitted to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.
The directive came in response to a motion filed by Nimesh’s mother, who raised serious concerns about the initial post-mortem and the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. Representing the family, Attorney-at-Law Lakshan Dias told the court that the mother was not given a chance to present her testimony during the original examination and requested a new inquiry under Section 373 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Supporting this request, Attorney Senaka Perera stated that Sathsara had allegedly informed his mother of being assaulted while in custody. Shockingly, the mother only learned of her son’s death when she later arrived at the police station with food. This account was supported by an affidavit submitted to the court.
Following an order from the Acting Inspector General of Police, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the case. CID officers informed the court that investigations are being carried out into the entire timeline—from the point of Sathsara’s arrest to his transfer to Angoda Mental Hospital. Witness statements have been collected, CCTV footage is being reviewed, and biological samples have been sent to the Government Analyst for further analysis.
Importantly, the CID raised no objections to the request for a fresh post-mortem. After reviewing the facts presented, Magistrate Perera granted the request and scheduled the next hearing for April 30, directing authorities to submit a progress report.
While the case was being heard, a silent protest took place outside the Colombo Magistrate’s Court. Family members of the deceased and concerned citizens gathered to demand an impartial and transparent investigation into Sathsara Nimesh’s death.
