The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ruled that two police officers, responsible for the arrest and detention of fisherman Nimal Chandrasiri in April 2012, must pay Rs. 125,000 each in personal funds, with the State contributing an additional Rs. 250,000. This Rs. 500,000 compensation is to be paid to the victim’s family for the violation of Chandrasiri’s fundamental rights under Article 11 of the Constitution due to alleged police misconduct.
The victim, a resident of Thalpitiya, was arrested under suspicion and reportedly suffered severe pain while in custody, showing visible injuries. Despite repeated pleas from his family for medical treatment, the police allegedly dismissed his condition as feigned. Hours later, Chandrasiri was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Chandrasiri’s widow, Dilupa Sudarshani, with the support of the Right to Life Human Rights Center, filed a petition, ultimately receiving a Supreme Court judgment in their favour after more than a decade of delays. The case highlighted significant systemic issues in law enforcement and the long, challenging process for victims’ families seeking justice. Efforts to initiate disciplinary action against the officers began only in 2017, with further delays extending into 2023.
Right to Life Human Rights Center continues to support citizens facing similar struggles and provides legal assistance for victims of human rights abuses.
Contact Right to Life Human Rights Center at 0112-669100 for legal support in similar incidents.
