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Suspects in Kotahena Shooting Killed in Police Custody, Raising Concerns of Extrajudicial Killings

February 22, 2025 Editor

Two suspects arrested in connection with the fatal shooting in Kotahena were killed in police custody under controversial circumstances, raising concerns over extrajudicial killings and the legality of police actions. According to the Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manathunga, the two individuals were arrested by Grandpass Police last night while fleeing the crime scene on a motorcycle. They were allegedly in possession of a T56 firearm, which was reportedly used in the murder of 38-year-old Shashi Kumar. The victim was shot inside a mobile phone accessories shop at Galpoththa Junction,…

Four Senior Police Officers Face Court Over Brutal Custody Torture in Malimbada

February 5, 2025February 5, 2025 Editor

Four police officers, including inspectors from the Malimbada Police Station, have been arrested and presented with indictments at the Matara High Court for allegedly brutally and inhumanely assaulting a young man who was taken into custody four years ago. The High Court Judge has ordered the police to release them on strict bail conditions and to appear again on the 28th. The case involves the arrest and cruel assault of 27-year-old Dilshan Madushanka, who was detained for six days at both Malimbada and Matara police stations based on false intelligence…

Police Brutality in Sri Lanka: A Taxi Driver’s Ordeal Raises Concerns About Law Enforcement

January 31, 2025February 5, 2025 Editor

In a disturbing incident highlighting concerns about police conduct in Sri Lanka, taxi driver D.S. Wijeysekara’s routine evening on January 2, 2025, turned into a nightmare when he was forcibly taken to Dematagoda police station. What began as a standard service call ended in brutal interrogation regarding the discovery of an infant’s body in a local garbage dump. The legal aftermath proved equally troubling. Wijeysekara’s lawyer charged Rs. 25,000 merely for visiting the police station and speaking with him, plus another Rs. 25,000 for bail proceedings. The lawyer advised against…

Nine terror suspects detained in Sri Lanka

January 21, 2025 Editor

Sri Lankan police have arrested nine individuals, including two Maldivians, and an ex-LTTE cadre, over a foiled terror plot targeting tourists at the Arugambay surfing resort. The suspects, including six others accused of gathering intelligence and video footage of the area, are suspected to be linked to an international network. Two additional suspects—a Maldivian and an Afghan—are being pursued through Interpol red notices. Police’s terrorist investigation division on January 18 produced before Colombo Fort Magistrate Court the three suspects, two Maldivians and a local resident, arrested in connection with the…

Prison Torture Claims: 21-Year-Old Victim Reduced to Constant Falling After Brutal Beatings

December 16, 2024 Editor

In the Mawatwewa area of Anuradhapura, a 21-year-old man named Indika Kumara was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a woman. During his time in prison, prison officers have been beating him daily and have even inserted a stick into his anal passage. After being released on bail and returning home, he has now been reduced to a state of constant leg paralysis, unable to walk and frequently falling down. Prior to his imprisonment, he had no pre-existing medical conditions, and according to doctors, this medical condition has arisen solely…

“Human Rights Day Focuses on Torture Prevention and Legal Reforms to Uphold Justice in Sri Lanka”

December 11, 2024 Editor

On December 11, 2024, the Right to Life Human Rights Center celebrated International Human Rights Day with an impactful event themed “ CHANGE TO PROTECTION HUMAN RIGHTS” at BMICH TULIP Hall. The discussions highlighted critical issues like gender inequality, economic struggles, legal reforms, and transitional justice. With inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, and empowering moments like the book launches, we came together to advocate for a more just and equitable future for Sri Lanka. The commemorative gathering featured prominent human rights advocates and professionals who delivered insightful speeches, highlighting the importance…

Repealing Terror Act and Expanding Prisoner Rights: A Vision for Justice

December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 Editor

A case study on the attack against the protesters near the Presidential Secretariat at Galle Face Sri Lanka on May 09th, 2022

December 10, 2022December 9, 2022 Editor

Gotagogama Attack – Sinhala | Gotagogama Attack – English | Gotagogama Attack – Tamil

contempt of court and legal framework

March 8, 2022March 10, 2022 editor

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is a regional human rights organization. The organization seriously monitored and studied the law on contempt of court and its application in Sri Lanka. The AHRC is deeply concerned about the violation of Sri Lankan Constitution, which is in line with international law, by depriving the accused of the protection of the law. The AHRC pays special attention to the interpretation of international law as well as the Constitution of Sri Lanka by Article 105 (3) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. The logic…

An unofficial translation of National Prison Study lunch by SLCAT

January 27, 2022January 27, 2022 Editor

During the months of April and September 2018, the former National Human Rights Commission had conducted a study on prisons and inmates in Sri Lanka. This study report provides data on living conditions inside their prisons, sanitation, humanitarian transactions, food, and the needs and rights that an inmate must meet and make recommendations in this regard. It was prepared in English by the Human Rights Commission and translated into Tamil and Sinhala by the Sri Lankan Collective against Torture and launched on January 25 at the Renuka Hotel, Colombo. Former…