Category: News

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

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,…

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Police Officers Arrested Following Suspicious Death of 24-Year-Old After Traffic Arrest

Editor

Four police constables from the Wadduwa Police Station were arrested yesterday in connection with the death of Samith Dilshan, a 24-year-old father of one who resided in the Talpitiya area of Wadduwa. Police Media Spokesperson, Senior Superintendent of Police Buddhika Manathunga, stated that the four constables were arrested yesterday (12) evening by the Panadura Divisional Crime Investigation Unit, and their duties have been suspended. The four suspect police officers are scheduled to be produced before the Panadura Magistrate’s Court today (13). On Monday the 10th, Dilshan was arrested by the…

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

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…

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

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…

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Sri Lanka’s Crackdown on Dissent Escalates – INFORM Report Highlights Alarming Human Rights Violations

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The INFORM Human Rights Documentation Center has released its December 2024 Suppression of Dissent Report, raising concerns over the growing repression of civil liberties, freedom of expression, and political activism in Sri Lanka. The report details state-led crackdowns on protests, media restrictions, and intensified surveillance on activists and civil society organizations. According to the report, security forces used excessive force against demonstrators, including the violent suppression of school development officers protesting for permanent jobs, where four protesters were arrested, and police officers were injured. In the Northern Province, Tamil activists…

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Basic Rights of a Person Under Arrest

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The Constitution’s Article 13(1) guarantees that no person shall be arrested except according to the procedure established by law. Article 13(2) stipulates that any person who is arrested must be informed of the reason for their arrest, and Article 13(3) ensures the right to consult with a lawyer after the arrest. A person under arrest has the right to inform a family member or a lawyer about their detention. If the person complains of mistreatment or shows signs of injury, they can request a medical examination. Furthermore, it is unconstitutional…

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Lasantha Wickrematunge: A Voice That Refused to Be Silenced

Editor

Lasantha Wickrematunge was more than just a journalist; he was a symbol of fearless truth-telling and an unwavering advocate for justice in Sri Lanka. As the editor of The Sunday Leader, he boldly exposed corruption, human rights abuses, and the misuse of power, earning admiration and enemies alike. On January 8, 2009, Lasantha was brutally murdered while driving to work in Aththidiya, Rathmalana—a shocking attack that shook the nation. Sixteen years later, his killers remain unidentified, a haunting reminder of the challenges journalists face in seeking accountability. Lasantha’s death highlighted…

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11 youths were kidnapped and disappeared after ransom demands

Editor

In 2008, 11 young men were abducted and disappeared from areas around Colombo. The abductors demanded ransom from the victims’ families. The main suspect arrested in connection with these abductions and disappearances was Chandana Prasad Hettiarachchi, a Navy sailor. Reports indicate that the abducted youth were held at Navy camps in Colombo and Trincomalee. Navy Commander Rear Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda was reportedly fully aware of the detention of these 11 youth. According to Criminal Investigation Department investigations, they were held at locations where former Navy spokesperson D.K.P. Dassanayake and Commander…

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Inhumane beating of a suspect by Puttalam Police officers, accused of motorcycle theft

Editor

On December 29th, around 6:30 PM, a neighbor called Ruwan Chamara while he was at his mother’s house. The neighbor informed him that police officers had arrived at his residence and were seeking him in connection with a motorcycle theft. The officers provided their contact number and asked to be contacted. Subsequently, a relative of Ruwan called the neighbor’s provided number, inquiring about the reason for his needed presence, and informed that they would visit the police station the next morning. On December 30th, at around 9:30 AM, while Ruwan…

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15 Years Since Prageeth Eknaligoda’s Disappearance

Editor

  Following the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009, General Sarath Fonseka, who had been the Army Commander during the war, contested the January 26, 2010, presidential election as the common opposition candidate. Many activists who were opposing to the war and the Rajapaksa family dominance joined his campaign. Among them was Prageeth Eknaligoda, a writer, journalist, cartoonist, and social activist who maintained connections with various media organizations, trade unions, civil society groups, and political parties. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who sought reelection, ultimately won the election. The opposition campaign focused on themes…

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