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 opposing the police, suggesting it would jeopardize bail chances.
The situation worsened when the Officer-in-Charge began pressuring both Wijeysekara and his sister through calls from various numbers, violating victim protection laws. The physical consequences have been severe, with medical reports indicating kidney damage, breathing difficulties, and sleep disorders. Unable to work, Wijeysekara now faces financial hardship.
This case starkly contrasts with the Police Ordinance’s stated mission of protecting citizens and maintaining peace. While Wijeysekara’s story is individual, it represents a broader concern about law enforcement accountability in Sri Lanka and serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences when institutional power goes unchecked.
