A disturbing incident of police brutality has been reported from Darga town, Aluthgama, where a man riding a motorcycle was allegedly assaulted and injured by officers from the Aluthgama Police.
The victim, Thirimadura Thilak Wasanna Kumara de Zoysa, had hosted a political meeting at his residence on April 19 at around 5 p.m. Later that evening, he went to a nearby shop with his brother, and he was not wearing a helmet. On their return, a police cab arrived, prompting Wasantha to stop the motorcycle and dismount. According to eyewitness accounts, a police officer seized the motorcycle key and then, without provocation, the officers began to assault Wasantha using a helmet.
Wasantha reportedly fell to the ground during the assault, screaming for help, which drew the attention of nearby residents. In a shocking escalation, one of the officers allegedly shot him in the chest. As a result of the attack, one of Wasantha’s teeth was also broken.
A bystander at the scene reportedly phoned Wasantha’s son to warn him about the unfolding attack. Upon arriving at the scene, the son found his father bleeding from the mouth and questioned the officers, who denied any involvement and promptly left the location.
Wasantha was initially taken to the Aluthgama Hospital by his family. While receiving treatment, a doctor informed them that two police officers were preparing to transfer him to the Kalutara Hospital and instructed the family to accompany him. However, on the way, a police three-wheeler intercepted them near the Aluthgama railway station. Officers attempted to arrest Wasantha, but were prevented by residents who insisted he be taken for medical treatment due to his condition.
He is currently being treated at the fifth ward of the Nagoda Hospital in Kalutara. Reports also state that his mobile phone was confiscated by the police. In a concerning turn of events, on April 20, while Wasantha’s wife was visiting him at the hospital, police officers from Aluthgama reportedly visited their home and arrested his son, his brother, and seized the motorcycle.
Despite the Assistant Superintendent of Police visiting the scene of the incident the following morning, eyewitnesses claim no statements were taken from them. Wasantha’s wife has since filed a complaint with the Kalutara Deputy Police. However, the officer recording the complaint reportedly presented a police report which claimed that Wasantha was riding the motorcycle without police permission. It is also said that a statement was obtained from him while in custody.
This incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability. Human rights activists and local residents are calling for an impartial investigation into the actions of the Aluthgama Police.
