Category: News

Bus Conductor Assaulted by Tissa Police: A Case of Brutal Treatment

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On August 2, 2024, a bus conductor from the Kingsley Super Service, identified as Vitarana Hetty Arachchige Amisha Madhuranga, was publicly assaulted and later arrested by the Tissamaharama Police. The incident occurred after Madhuranga, 23, was suspected of deceiving a woman and withdrawing money from an ATM using her Visa card. The conductor, an unmarried resident of No. 16, Nugewala, Ambalantota Mamadala, was stopped while on duty in the Tissa-Matara bus route. According to witnesses, an ununiformed officer approached the back door of the bus and ordered Madhuranga to halt…

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Two constables in Pedurutudu have been suspended for the death of an arrested suspect

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In response to the death of a suspect in police custody in Pedurutuduwa, Jaffna, the Superintendent of Police of Kankasanthura has suspended the services of two constables effective from July 29 until the conclusion of the investigation. The deceased, a young man residing in Pedurutuduwa, was suspected to have been severely beaten following his arrest. He sustained serious injuries due to the alleged assaults and was admitted to Pedurutuduwa Hospital for treatment. The young man succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. The post-mortem examination revealed severe damage to his…

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Supreme Court Halts Appointment of Inspector General of Police

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On July 24, 2024, the Supreme Court issued an order regarding the controversial appointment of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The petitioners have presented a compelling prima facie case challenging the constitutionality of the appointment. As a result, the Court granted leave to proceed against the first respondent, the Honorable Attorney General, the Speaker, and Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon. In a significant interim order, the Supreme Court restrained Mr. T. M. W. Deshabandu Tennakoon from functioning as the IGP until the case is concluded. Consequently, the President is now authorized…

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Retired OIC Attacked by Officers from Mahaba Police Station, Suffers Severe Eye Damage

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  A retired Officer in Charge (OIC), who previously served at the Mahabage Police Station, suffered severe eye damage after being attacked by a group of officers from the same station. He is currently receiving treatment at Ragama Hospital. The retired OIC, aged 46, shared his ordeal with the media. He explained that he had served in the police force for 24 years before retiring on March 1, 2023, due to personal reasons, despite having the option to continue his service for another 14 years. Since his retirement, he had…

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Principal Assaults 12-Year-Old Student, Resulting in Severe Spinal Injury

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In a disturbing incident at Hambantota Debokkawa Maha Vidyalaya, Principal Malaka Weeravarnakula violently attacked a 12-year-old student, causing a severe spinal cord injury. The altercation began when the student, who served as the class monitor, did not clean the classroom trash. Witnesses reported that Principal Weeravarnakula grabbed the student by the ear, dragged him out of the classroom, and struck his neck twice, leading to significant damage to the student’s neck bones. The student was rushed to Embilipitiya General Hospital, where staff allegedly pressured him and his guardians, accusing them…

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Nurse Wins Fundamental Rights Case Against Surgeon for Assault

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  In a landmark judgment delivered today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Madhavi Buddhika Rajaguru, a nurse who filed a case against Ashoka Wijemanne, a consultant surgeon, for assaulting her with a bone cutter at Kurunegala General Hospital. The court held that Wijemanne had violated Rajaguru’s fundamental right to be free from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. As a result, Wijemanne has been ordered to pay Rs. 50,000 in compensation to Rajaguru. Additionally, the State has been directed to pay her Rs. 10,000 within the next three months.…

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Panadura High Court Hears 12-Year-Old Custodial Death Case

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A case filed under the Convention Against Torture And Other Cruel, Inhuman Or Degrading Treatment Or Punishment Act, concerning the death of Dasanayake Nimal Chandrasiri Appuhami in police custody, is currently being heard at the Panadura High Court. The incident dates back to 2012 when Nimal Chandrasiri was allegedly beaten while in custody at the Wadduwa Police Station. Nimal Chandrasiri, a 43-year-old fisherman and father of three, was arrested on April 15, 2012, at his residence on 25 Fisherman’s House, Ratnayake Mawatha, South Talpitiya, Wadduwa. In 2017, his death while…

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Police Brutality: 55-Year-Old Man Tortured by Embilipitiya Police

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A shocking incident of police brutality has emerged from Embilipitiya, where a 55-year-old man was subjected to severe torture by police officers. Susil Vitaranage, a father of two from Sevanagala, Kiriwewa, Nugegala Yaya, Katuwana Yaya No. 55, was the victim of this horrific ordeal. On the 28th of this month, while working in his paddy field, Vitaranage was approached by three men in a white car who claimed to be from the Southern Province Anti-Corruption Unit. They told him they were taking him to Tangalle to record a statement. Vitaranage…

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Expert Forum on Ongoing Torture Despite Extensive Anti-Torture Legislation

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On June 26, 2024, the Right to Life Human Rights Centre, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Collective Against Torture (SLCAT), hosted an Expert Forum at Hotel Janaki to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The forum, titled “Ongoing Torture Despite Extensive Anti-Torture Legislation,” brought together prominent figures such as Shani Abeysekera, former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, Dr. Chulani Herath, a senior lecturer, and attorney Lakshan Dias, along with representatives from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. The event aimed to highlight the…

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SLCAT Hosts Consultative Meeting on PTA and Torture Prevalence Research

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On June 14th, the SLCAT consultation meeting convened at 1 PM at Hotel Nippon, drawing active participation from its members. The agenda focused on upcoming research initiatives, particularly on the PTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) and the prevalence of torture in police custody and higher education institutions. The meeting facilitated productive discussions, underscoring the commitment to address and analyze these critical human rights issues.    

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