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 in custody sparked the legal proceedings now ongoing.
The accused in this case include police constables Felix Chandana Sepala (88816), Lionel Abeysiri (61547), Sarath Kumara (38545), and Sarath Senawardena. The latest hearing took place on July 5, 2024, during which key testimonies were provided by Dasanayake’s younger son, Tushan Sampath, and his brother, Sanjeeva Udaya Kumara.
Tushan Sampath recounted his visit to the Wadduwa Police Station, where his father reportedly told him, “They hit me and my chest hurts.” Sanjeeva Udaya Kumara testified that he found his brother unresponsive on a bench in a cell at around 6:30 in the morning. Despite calling out to him, Nimal did not respond, which led Sanjeeva to believe his brother had been assaulted.
In addition to family testimonies, Dr. Anusha Dilhani Muthukuda Arachchi from Panadura Hospital and forensic expert Dr. M. Sivasubramaniam have also provided evidence in this case. The next hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2024, at the Panadura High Court.
Meanwhile, a related fundamental rights case (SCFR-260/2012), filed in the Supreme Court in 2012, remains pending. Legal assistance for this case has been provided by the Right to Life Human Rights Center.
